New mobile app to transform artisan services – Deputy Trade Minister

Ghana’s artisan sector is set for a major overhaul following the launch of a new digital platform aimed at improving service delivery and restoring public trust.

The Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Sampson Ahi, says the ProfArts mobile application will connect certified artisans to clients and help tackle long-standing concerns about poor workmanship, fraud, and lack of professionalism.

Speaking at the launch of the app on July 30, 2025, in Accra, the Deputy Minister described the platform as a “game changer” that aligns with the Ministry’s “Apprenticeship to Entrepreneurship Programme.” He lauded the support of GIZ and its partners, stressing that the app will contribute to Ghana’s industrialisation drive and support youth employment.

“Most Ghanaians have had unsatisfactory experiences with artisans, ranging from poor workmanship and wastefulness to unresponsiveness after payment,” Hon. Ahi said. “This has eroded public trust. But with this app, professional artisans will be distinguished from unprofessional ones.”

He urged artisans to prioritize professionalism and good customer relations, warning that even with certification, poor conduct would drive clients away.

The app, developed through support from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), allows users to search for vetted professionals in various trades, including construction, electricals, tiling, welding, and more. It also features a review and rating system to ensure service quality and accountability.

Minister for Youth Development and Employment, Hon. George Opare Addo, also commended the initiative, describing it as a vital tool to formalise the informal sector and enhance job opportunities for young people.

A representative from the German Embassy, Ms. Chantel Kristin Lahmer, noted that the app supports Germany’s “Invest for Jobs” initiative, which has already trained over 1,800 young Ghanaians. She praised the project for supporting inclusive economic growth and digital innovation.

The Ministry has hinted at plans to scale the app to include more sectors, reinforcing its role in shaping a modern, reliable artisan economy for Ghana.