Empowering Professional Ghanaian Artisans through the ProfArts Digital Platform for GHIE
At CLOUDPORT, we guide and support organisations in embracing transformative digital solutions that drive tangible results. Our experience has demonstrated that technology can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency across various sectors. One compelling example of this is our partnership with the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) on the Professionalisation of Artisans (ProfArts) project. This project aimed to address critical challenges faced by artisans in Ghana's construction sector, and CLOUDPORT played a crucial role in developing the digital platform that brought this vision to life.
Bridging the Gap in Ghana's Construction Sector
Ghana's construction sector holds significant potential for growth and job creation; however, it is often hindered by notable shortages of qualified workers, technical skill gaps, and a lack of soft skills and customer orientation. There is also a significant unmet demand for skilled artisans. Artisans themselves often face challenges in finding consistent work and building trust with potential clients. The ProfArts project was born out of the need for professional artisans and aimed to improve the employment situation of local artisans and micro-enterprises by providing training, certification, tools, and promotion to make their services readily accessible.
A Digital Platform for Professionalisation and Connection
To address these challenges, GIZ partnered with GhIE and others to develop and implement the ProfArts mobile application and a comprehensive training program. Leveraging our expertise in developing robust, scalable, and user-friendly mobile and web applications, we built a digital platform that directly connects trained and licensed artisans with customers seeking their services.
The core of CLOUDPORT's solution was the ProfArts mobile application, available on both Android and iOS. This application provides a range of features essential for both artisans and customers, facilitating seamless interactions and building trust.
Key Features of the ProfArts App:
Secure Profiles: Artisans can create secure profiles showcasing their certifications and experience.
Search Functionality: Users can easily search for artisans by location and service type.
Chat Options: The app includes a chat function for direct communication between users and artisans.
Booking System: A booking system streamlines the hiring process for artisans.
Rating and Review System: This feature allows clients to rate their experience and artisans to build their reputation based on feedback, ensuring reliability and transparency.
Job Posting/Finding: Customers can post job requests, and artisans can find and apply for relevant opportunities.
Beyond the mobile application, CLOUDPORT also played a crucial role in developing the training curriculum delivered through the CLOUDSCH platform. This comprehensive curriculum aimed to equip artisans with the necessary skills to utilise the mobile application and enhance their business operations effectively, covering topics such as profile setup, job searching, job management, using the ratings system, marketing skills, and building credibility.
The ProfArts solution leverages mobile application development (Android and iOS). It incorporates features typical of modern digital platforms, including user accounts, search capabilities, messaging, and a database for profiles, job details, and ratings.
The ProfArts project, powered by the CLOUDPORT-developed platform, has had a significant impact on both Ghanaian artisans and customers, transforming the way they connect and conduct business in the construction sector.
Impact on Artisans:
Increased Market Access: Artisans gain access to a broader network of potential clients, helping them find consistent work.
Enhanced Employability: The training and licensing components, facilitated by the platform, improve the employability of local artisans.
Professionalisation and Credibility: The platform enables artisans to establish their reputation through verified profiles, licenses, and customer reviews, thereby enhancing their professional standing and credibility.
Business Growth: By connecting with more clients and managing jobs efficiently, artisans are empowered to grow their businesses.
Digital Skills: Artisans are trained on using digital tools for their business operations.
Impact on Customers:
Convenience and Peace of Mind: Customers can easily find skilled and qualified artisans with confidence, knowing they are connected with verified professionals.
Trust and Transparency: The rating and review system allows customers to view genuine feedback on artisans, building trust in the service quality.
Quality Service: By connecting with licensed and trusted artisans, customers can be assured of quality workmanship.
As of March 2025, the project had provided training for 2,228 artisans, with 730 receiving certification and 1,322 obtaining licenses through GhIE.
CLOUDPORT's involvement in the ProfArts project underscores our capability to deliver impactful digital solutions for social development initiatives. Our deep understanding of the local Ghanaian context and the specific needs of the construction sector, combined with our technical prowess in mobile and cloud development, enabled us to build a solution that truly addresses the challenges faced by artisans. By working closely with partners like GIZ and GhIE, we demonstrated our collaborative approach and commitment to ensuring the project's success and sustainability. This project is a testament to our ability to leverage technology not just for business efficiency but for significant socio-economic impact, helping to professionalise a vital sector and improve livelihoods across Ghana.
At CLOUDPORT, we don't just build technology; we build partnerships and deliver solutions that empower organisations and individuals to achieve more. The ProfArts project is a prime example of how demonstrating expertise and building trust through collaborative, results-oriented work can lead to transformative outcomes.
