As global passion for classic cars surges, so too does the demand for skilled restoration technicians who can breathe new life into these stunning machines. Ghana, with its growing community of classic car enthusiasts and collectors, is well-placed to become a hub for automotive restoration in Africa.

The Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC), already a leader in technical education, is poised to seize this opportunity by establishing a world-class Automotive Restoration Technology Programme that would serve both local and international markets.

This initiative could not only address the needs of Ghanaian classic car owners but also create high-quality job opportunities, generate substantial revenue, and position ATTC as a multi-million-dollar earning institution. By embracing automotive restoration, ATTC could place Ghana firmly on the map as a restoration destination for the international car collector community.

A Booming Industry with a £2 Billion Market

The car restoration industry is a lucrative global market. In 2014, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in the United States estimated that the industry was worth around £2 billion, encompassing retail parts sales, labour, and installation services. This figure has only continued to grow as car enthusiasts worldwide seek skilled technicians capable of restoring classic cars to their former glory.

Yet, the biggest challenge facing this booming industry is a lack of available skills. Demand for qualified restoration experts far exceeds supply, with classic car owners struggling to find technicians able to deliver high-quality work. Ghana’s low labour costs and the potential for a skilled workforce trained through a dedicated programme at ATTC offer a unique opportunity to meet this global demand.

Addressing the Issue of Unqualified Restorers

In Ghana, classic car owners face a significant issue: the prevalence of unqualified restorers who charge substantial fees but deliver poor results—or, in many cases, no results at all. These so-called restorers often keep cars for extended periods, only to return them in disrepair or leave them untouched due to a lack of expertise.

This phenomenon has not only frustrated Ghana’s vintage car community but also led to a loss of trust in local service providers. Many classic car owners end up spending large amounts of money trying to repair mistakes or retrieve their cars from these individuals, turning what should be a rewarding hobby into a source of endless disappointment.

An Automotive Restoration Technology Programme at ATTC would resolve this problem by producing a generation of skilled, certified technicians trained to the highest standards in automotive restoration. By providing structured education, hands-on experience, and a rigorous curriculum, ATTC could raise the bar in restoration quality and reliability, ensuring that classic car owners no longer fall victim to amateurs. The programme would also help professionalise the restoration industry in Ghana, making it easier for owners to find trusted, competent restorers and reducing the financial and emotional risks associated with their passion.

Building Ghana’s Automotive Restoration Hub

In 1976, McPherson College in the United States launched its automotive restoration programme, thanks to entrepreneur Gaines H. “Smokey” Billue, who donated over 125 classic cars as an initial endowment. Today, McPherson’s programme is the only one in the world to offer a bachelor’s degree in automotive restoration, with industry connections and alumni spanning the globe.

Inspired by this success, a similar programme at ATTC could benefit from the generosity of Ghanaian car enthusiasts like Fred Apaloo and Orlando Baeta. Their support, alongside that of other collectors, could provide the foundational resources needed for this initiative, from funding to the donation of classic cars for hands-on training. Involving local icons of automotive culture would not only strengthen the programme’s roots but also inspire a new generation of skilled technicians.

A Vision for the Programme

The proposed programme would equip students with practical, hands-on skills in automotive restoration. Through workshops on bodywork, engine rebuilding, upholstery, detailing, and fabrication, students would learn the craft of restoration on actual classic cars. By working directly with donated or client vehicles, students would gain expertise in restoring, refurbishing, and preserving the legacy of vintage cars to the highest standards.

With the right partnerships, ATTC students could also gain internship opportunities with restoration shops, museums, and collectors in Ghana and abroad. Exposure to global restoration practices would elevate ATTC’s reputation, positioning it as a centre for high-quality, affordable classic car restoration.

Creating Local and International Partnerships

A key part of the programme’s growth and success would be collaborations with local and international organisations, car clubs, and vintage car shows. Through partnerships, ATTC could invite professionals to provide lectures, practical training, and mentorship, preparing students to compete in the global marketplace.

A significant milestone could be for ATTC students to showcase their restored vehicles at prestigious events, much like McPherson College’s entries at the esteemed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Such exposure would not only highlight Ghanaian talent but also attract clients from around the world looking for affordable restoration services.

Economic Potential and the Road Ahead

Launching an Automotive Restoration Technology Programme at ATTC could transform the school into a multi-million-pound enterprise within a few years. By offering top-quality restoration services, ATTC would create a valuable revenue stream while helping meet the demand for classic car restoration in Africa.

Ghana’s competitive labour costs could attract collectors from Europe, the United States, and beyond, helping the country emerge as a premium restoration destination. This programme would also create job opportunities across related sectors, including parts manufacturing, upholstery, custom paintwork, and sales.

Moreover, scholarships sponsored by enthusiasts like Fred Apaloo and Orlando Baeta could ensure the programme’s accessibility to passionate young Ghanaians from diverse backgrounds. By cultivating local talent, ATTC could provide a steady stream of skilled professionals, fuelling Ghana’s automotive sector and making it a notable contributor to the economy.

A Call for Support

Ghana’s classic car community is small but dedicated, with the potential to make a significant impact. With industry advocates like Fred Apaloo and Orlando Baeta, there is a unique opportunity to make ATTC’s Automotive Restoration Technology Programme a reality. Their backing could galvanise support from Ghana’s business community and attract international attention, generating the necessary funds, resources, and enthusiasm to turn this vision into a self-sustaining, prestigious programme.

We invite enthusiasts, investors, and anyone who believes in preserving the legacy of classic cars to join this movement. By supporting ATTC’s Automotive Restoration Technology Programme, we can build a world-class institution that educates, employs, and elevates Ghana’s position in the global automotive landscape. Together, we can inspire young technicians, revive our classic car heritage, and make Ghana a premier destination for restoration.

The foundation is set, and with the support of visionaries, we can drive this initiative forward, creating an enduring legacy that benefits Ghana, the region, and the international car collector community.