IPES Ghana Training & The Relevance of ASME Section IX in Ghana’s Engineering and Construction Industry

In today’s globally interconnected industrial landscape, the need for universally accepted engineering standards has never been more critical. For Ghana, a country with growing infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing sectors, the implementation of international standards is not just a matter of compliance—it is essential for ensuring safety, reliability, and competitiveness. Among the many engineering codes and standards employed in Ghana, ASME Section IX—a part of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC)—stands out for its vital role in governing welding, brazing, and fusing qualifications.

This article explores the role of ASME Section IX in Ghana’s engineering and construction sectors, its adoption and implementation across industries, and how it integrates with national practices to uphold quality and safety in welding and fabrication processes.

Understanding ASME Section IX

ASME Section IX is a comprehensive standard developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). It forms a critical part of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) and specifically addresses the qualification of welding, brazing, and fusing procedures and personnel.

The main objectives of Section IX are to ensure:

• The integrity of welded joints
  
• The safety of pressure-retaining components
  
• The competence of welders, brazers, and fusing operators
  
• Consistency and repeatability in welding procedures
  

Section IX achieves this by requiring the documentation and verification of various aspects of welding and joining processes, such as:

• Welding Procedure Specification (WPS): A detailed written description of a welding process.
  
• Procedure Qualification Record (PQR): Documentation of test results that demonstrate a WPS can produce acceptable welds.
  
• Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ): A record of a welder’s ability to produce sound welds using a qualified WPS.
  

Essential variables—including material type, welding position, current type, and shielding gas—are tightly controlled under Section IX to ensure that once a procedure or individual is qualified, their performance remains consistent under defined conditions.

ASME Section IX in Ghana: An Emerging Necessity

1. Adoption by the Engineering and Construction Sectors

Ghana’s industrial development—particularly in oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing—requires high standards of quality control. As more international stakeholders invest in Ghana, compliance with global standards like ASME becomes not just a preference, but a prerequisite.

Projects involving the construction of pipelines, pressure vessels, boilers, and structural frameworks all depend heavily on qualified welding personnel and verified welding procedures. ASME Section IX ensures that these requirements are met and maintained across a project’s lifecycle.

Companies operating in Ghana increasingly incorporate ASME Section IX as part of their standard operating procedures, especially when delivering services to multinational clients or when operating under contracts that stipulate adherence to international codes.

2. Integration with National Standards: The Role of GSA

The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) is the national body responsible for the development and enforcement of engineering, manufacturing, and construction standards. While GSA maintains its own set of guidelines and protocols, it often references ASME standards, including Section IX, especially in specialized or high-risk industries like oil and gas.

This hybrid model—where international codes are adopted to complement or guide national standards—helps bridge the gap between local regulations and global best practices. It also facilitates smoother project execution when Ghanaian companies collaborate with international partners or seek to export their services and products.

3. Training and Certification in ASME Section IX

The successful implementation of ASME Section IX depends on the availability of skilled and certified personnel. In Ghana, institutions such as The Welding Academy and various technical universities offer training programs specifically designed around ASME Section IX.

These programs cover:

• The theory and application of ASME codes
  
• Practical welding exercises and qualification tests
  
• Preparation of WPS, PQR, and WPQ documentation
  
• Understanding of essential, non-essential, and supplementary variables
  

Graduates from such programs gain internationally recognized certifications that increase their employability and ensure they can contribute to projects that demand high standards of welding safety and reliability.

4. Industry Applications of ASME Section IX in Ghana

a. Oil and Gas Sector

Ghana’s offshore oil reserves have attracted significant international attention, leading to the establishment of complex facilities involving refineries, pipelines, and offshore platforms. Each of these components relies on high-quality welding to prevent leaks, corrosion, and mechanical failure.

ASME Section IX ensures that welders working in these environments are tested and qualified under conditions that simulate actual job environments, and that all welding procedures are documented and repeatable.

b. Manufacturing and Fabrication

In Ghana’s growing manufacturing sector, the fabrication of machinery, tanks, structural supports, and pressure vessels must meet exacting standards. ASME Section IX provides the framework for documenting and qualifying welding procedures that guarantee product quality and durability.

c. Construction and Infrastructure

While not traditionally associated with pressure vessels, the construction industry in Ghana still benefits from ASME Section IX through the application of qualified welders in steel frame construction, bridgework, and support structures.

d. Integration with Other Codes (e.g., API 570)

In specialized projects, ASME Section IX is often used in tandem with other industry codes such as API 570 (for piping inspection) or AWS D1.1 (structural welding). This ensures that welders are not only qualified according to ASME standards but can also meet the broader compliance needs of specific industries.

5. Compliance, Certification, and International Recognition

Companies in Ghana that adhere to ASME Section IX not only meet internal quality targets but also align themselves with global benchmarks. This alignment has several strategic advantages:

• Increased competitiveness in bidding for international contracts
  
• Improved safety records, leading to reduced insurance costs
  
• Enhanced credibility among multinational clients and regulatory bodies
  

For instance, an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractor operating in Ghana may be required to demonstrate compliance with ASME Section IX before being awarded work on a refinery project. By presenting certified WPS, PQR, and welder qualifications, such a contractor demonstrates reliability and adherence to safety norms.

6. Challenges and Opportunities

While the benefits of adopting ASME Section IX are numerous, implementation in Ghana is not without its challenges:

• Cost of training and certification can be a barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  
• Limited availability of local testing facilities for welding procedures and personnel can lead to delays and reliance on external bodies.
  
• Need for continuous professional development to keep pace with updates in the ASME BPVC.
  

That said, these challenges present growth opportunities for training institutions, certification bodies, and technical consultants to expand their offerings. With strategic investments, Ghana can build a robust ecosystem that supports ASME Section IX compliance at all levels—from education and training to field implementation and audit.

In Summary ASME Section IX Ghana

ASME Section IX is far more than a technical guideline—it is a foundational tool for ensuring safety, reliability, and international compatibility in welding and fabrication processes. In Ghana, its relevance spans across multiple industries, including oil and gas, manufacturing, and construction, where the quality of welded joints directly impacts operational safety and project longevity.

As the country continues to industrialize and pursue infrastructure development, greater reliance on standards like ASME Section IX will be essential. Through collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders, government bodies like the GSA, and educational institutions, Ghana can strengthen its capacity to meet the demands of modern engineering while upholding the highest standards of workmanship and safety.

By institutionalizing ASME Section IX across projects and operations, Ghana positions itself not just as a regional leader in engineering excellence, but also as a capable and trusted partner on the global stage.

Will I Get ASME Section IX Certified at IPES – Institute of Professional & Entrepreneurial Studies

IPES – Institute of Professional & Entrepreneurial Studies in Accra offers robust vocational programs in metal fabrication and welding, including MIG, TIG, stick welding, and aluminum fabrication, delivered through:

• Metal‑Works skill track: Hands‑on training at DevWorld Tech Academy, internships, real‑world projects, and diplomas/HND options.
• See others skill tracks from IPES like Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC/R, Information Technology, Wood-Work, etc.

However, IPES currently does not explicitly offer ASME Section IX certification as part of its standard curriculum. Their focus is on nationally accredited vocational qualifications (CTVET diploma/HND) and industry-verified projects—not on internationally recognized welding codes like ASME IX.

What IPES Is Great For

• Learning the fundamentals of welding and fabrication (MIG, TIG, SMAW) in a structured, vocational setting.
• Gaining hands-on experience via internships and real-world projects within Accra’s industrial sector.
• Earning nationally recognized diplomas/certificates and potentially progressing toward an HND.

What’s Missing for ASME Section IX

1. No dedicated ASME code training – There’s no mention of WPS/PQR/WPQ preparation according to ASME requirements on their site.
2. No international code certification – Their credentials are nationally focused; they don’t include ASME-recognized qualifications.
3. No welder performance testing per ASME IX standards – No structured pathway to qualify welders for code-based work.

To Achieve ASME Section IX Certification in Ghana:

1. Start with IPES (if you want solid welding fundamentals and vocational diplomas/HND).
2. Supplement with ASME‑focused training & testing through:
   • Ghana Welding Bureau (GWB) – Offers WPS/PQR/WPQ training and certification aligned to ASME standards.
   • Danest Engineering (Takoradi) – Prepares welders for international code compliance, including ASME IX.
   • Regional Maritime University (RMU) – Collaborates on international welding certification programs (AWS/CWB).

For ASME certification, your best route is to combine IPES’s foundational training with an institution that explicitly offers ASME Section IX courses and welder qualification exams.

Suggested Path Forward

1. Enroll in IPES metal-works to build strong welding skills and earn a national diploma/HND.
2. Contact GWB or Danest Engineering to identify ASME IX–specific programs.
3. Arrange PQR/WPS preparation and welder performance testing under ASME Section IX standards.
4. Complete the code qualification, producing WPQ documentation recognized internationally.