Accra, Nov. 19, GNA – Stakeholders in Ghana’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector have called on government to prioritize and adequately resource TVET institutions, describing the sector as the backbone of sustainable national development and industrial transformation.
Speaking at the 2025 Conference of Principals of Technical Institutions (COPT), held in Accra, the Director-General of the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), officials from the Ministry of Education, regional directors, principals, and industry partners emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, digital integration, and sustainable energy solutions across TVET schools.
The conference, themed “Quality TVET for All: Leveraging Digitalization and Sustainability for a Brighter Future,” highlighted the critical role of TVET in addressing youth unemployment, bridging the skills gap, and preparing Ghana’s workforce for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The Conference said political interference, inadequate logistics and weak leadership training continued to affect the effective management of technical schools.
“Digitalization, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy skills are the competencies that will turn today’s graduates into tomorrow’s employees,” President of the COPTI, Ako Dometey.
He said many schools lack infrastructure and had overburdened staff and operated without clear strategic plans.
“We must resource our TVET schools generously so they can deliver more in training and direct experience to the unemployed men and women,” he said.
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, reaffirmed government’s commitment to repositioning TVET at the heart of Ghana’s industrialization agenda.
He announced plans to establish a dedicated Technical Vocational Education Fund to support infrastructure development, training materials, and capacity building.
“This fund is not merely a policy choice—it is a national imperative,” Hon. Iddrisu stated.
“The Government of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama is determined to equip our youth with the competencies necessary to drive Ghana’s industrialization, create meaningful employment, and reposition Ghana as a leading hub of skilled labour on the continent.”
Despite notable achievements, including the consolidation of over 230 institutions under the Ghana TVET Service and commendable performances in national competitions, stakeholders expressed concern over persistent challenges.
These include fragmented governance, policy overlaps between CTVET and the TVET Service, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of insurance for staff and students.
“We have beautiful policies—Apprenticeship, CBET, Workplace Experience Learning—but implementation remains our Achilles’ heel,” one participant said.
“TVET should not be treated as a short-term fix. It must be a bold, long-term national venture.”
A recent survey revealed that over 90% of institutions lack staff insurance, while more than 70% have no protection for learners.
Principals also called for merit-based leadership appointments, continuous professional development for educators, and stronger industry collaboration to align training with market needs.
“Leadership must be guided by expertise, vision, and commitment to excellence—not allegiance,” said Prof Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, Vice-Chancellor, Pentecost University in a speech read on his behalf by Rev. Dr. Michael Armah, Registrar Pentecost University.
“We must raise a new generation of leaders who will build a better Ghana—not just with skills, but with values,” he said in a speech read on his behalf.
“TVET is not merely a system of education—it is a movement of empowerment, innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and national pride,” he added.
The conference concluded with a collective call to action: to treat TVET not as a peripheral option but as a strategic investment in Ghana’s future.
Stakeholders urged the government to expedite the establishment of the TVET Fund and ensure that funding reaches classrooms where it matters most.
The Conference focused on key strategies that principals can adopt to enhance technical education in their institutions.
GNA
Christian Akorlie