By Eunice Hilda A. Mensah
Tema, Jan. 20, GNA – The Rotary International District 9104 has organised a maiden edition of its Vocational Service and Professionals Conference to honour members (Rotarians) for their contribution to societal growth and development.
The event was also to recognise the impact of professional excellence and to encourage Rotarians to use their skills to serve others, promote high ethical standards and to develop vocational skills and ethical consciousness.
On the theme “Empowerment Tomorrow’s Workforce: Navigating the Future of Professional and Vocational Trades”, expects and professionals from various industries gathered to share knowledge, showcase innovations and shape the future of their fields.
Participating rotary clubs were the Accra West, Tema Community 25, Achimota Grey City, Accra-East, Winneba, Accra-Airport East, Accra-Ring Road Central, Accra-Spintex, and Tema Meridian where certificates were awarded.
Mr David Prah, Director-General, Ghana TVET Service in a statement delivered on his behalf, highlighted the importance of Vocational Skills and the need to invest in it.
He said the backbone of any thriving economy lied in its human capital, however, the gap between industry and available skills remained one of the greatest challenges in the country.
He said TVET’s (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) transformative role in Ghana manifested in three critical dimensions – stimulating creativity, fostering innovation and promoting entrepreneurship.
“The seeds we plant today through TVET will grow into the mighty tree of industrial advancement and economic prosperity tomorrow,” he said.
Mr Prah noted that TVET’s role in Ghana’s transformation went beyond education, to building self-reliant, innovative and prosperous nation.
“Let’s harness the power of TVET to transform Ghana, stimulate creativity, foster innovation, and build an entrepreneur ecosystem that meets industry demands for sustainable national development,” he added.
Mr Rex Owusu Marfo (Rex Omar), a renowned Ghanaian Highlife Musician and Creative Entrepreneur, urged the Rotarians to apply Copyright Law Act 690, explaining that the Intellectual Property Law governed the use of intangible assets owned by individual and companies.
“I’m very grateful for Rotary organising this event and it should not be a nine-day wonder. I believe that the narrative must continue to be able to create an opportunity for this country when it comes to vocational skills,” he added.
Mrs Yvonne Ayele Dugbartey, Chief Executive Officer of Makay Catering Service, said parents should identify their children’s talent and allow them to practise it at the early stage.
“I want to encourage parents that if you see your child with interest in something, for instance drawing, just identify it, don’t push him or her to go into medicine because you want to be a doctor’s mother or father.
“From the inception, my parents identified that I like cooking so in choosing a course at Senior High, I chose Home Economics knowing very well that I was interested in cooking,” she advised.
GNA