By Edward Dankwah, GNA
Accra, March 31, GNA — The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Presbyterian University of Ghana and the European Union, has convened stakeholders in Tamale to advance reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
The initiative seeks to promote skills development in green sectors to drive job creation and sustainable development, while strengthening green enterprise opportunities for women and youth in Northern Ghana.
A statement issued in Accra by the Chamber said the dialogue brought together key stakeholders, including officials from the Regional Coordinating Council, Regional Directorat of Education, the TVET Regional Office, the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, and principals of vocational institutions.
Participants examined how Ghana’s TVET policies could be better aligned with green economy priorities, to support sustainable development.
Reverend Dr Christina Amarchey of the Presbyterian University of Ghana, speaking on the theme: “TVET for Green Circular Economy: Opportunities for Women and Youth in the Northern Regions,” highlighted structural challenges within the TVET system.
She said outdated equipment, limited financing, weak industry linkages, and inadequate enforcement of quality standards as key constraints affecting the sector.
A session on social financing for green TVET, led by Prof. Dadson Awunyor-Vitor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, explored blended finance models and public-private partnerships to sustain investment in vocational education.
Mr Christopher Addy-Nayo, Team Leader of the GreenGrowth Ghana Project, said green skills development must go beyond theory to equip young people with practical competencies for building sustainable enterprises.
He noted that the growing demand for green skills across the regions required coordinated investment and policy action to sustain progress.
Participants underscored the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, TVET providers, the private sector, and development partners to support Ghana’s transition to a green economy.
The GreenGrowth Ghana Project, an EU-funded initiative implemented by the Chamber in partnership with the Presbyterian University of Ghana, was launched in October 2024 to promote the economic empowerment of women and youth in green and circular economy sectors across Northern Ghana.
The project supports policy reforms, TVET skills development, enterprise incubation, and targeted financing for women- and youth-led businesses in areas such as sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, waste management, and circular production.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo