By Michael Foli Jackidy
Tefle (V/R), April 10, GNA – Mr. Collins Armah, National Project Coordinator and Team Leader for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Voucher Project, has urged government to prioritise TVET in its national “reset” agenda, saying reforms would be incomplete without it.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of students of D’SHE NEWIG Fashion School in Tefle, Mr. Armah described TVET as a critical driver of economic transformation and job creation.
“Any country that has developed significantly has done so through strong investment in technical and vocational education. Ghana cannot reset its economy without prioritising TVET,” he said.
He emphasised the need for a dedicated and sustainable funding mechanism for the sector, noting that many TVET programmes have historically depended on donor support, which is not guaranteed in the long term.
Mr Armah commended efforts by the Ministry of Education Ghana and the Commission for TVET, with support from KfW Development Bank, to establish a TVET fund to ensure consistent financing for skills development.
He said such a fund would enable more young people to access quality training and acquire employable skills, reducing unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship.
Touching youth unemployment, he cited the overwhelming response to recent security services recruitment, where hundreds of thousands applied for limited slots, as evidence of the need to shift focus towards skills-based training.
“This should tell us clearly that we need to change directions. TVET provides alternative pathways for the youth to become self-employed and contribute meaningfully to the economy,” he noted.
He highlighted the importance of structured apprenticeship programmes, particularly the TVET Voucher Programme, which provides access to accredited institutions, certification, and practical skills development.
According to him, the programme, implemented in partnership with the German government, has expanded nationwide since 2015, improving standards, accreditation, and participation in the sector.
Mr. Armah said the initiative supports multiple trade areas, including automotive, welding and fabrication, cosmetology, electrical installation, plumbing, catering, and hospitality.
He noted that strengthening TVET could help address broader socio-economic challenges such as illegal mining by offering alternative livelihoods for young people.
“TVET is the master key; it opens doors to employment, entrepreneurship, and further education. If we invest in it, we invest in the future of this country,” he stressed.
He urged government to sustain and expand support for TVET programmes, including releasing funds to complement initiatives supported by development partners, to ensure long-term impact.
Mr Armah reaffirmed that building a skilled workforce through TVET would reduce pressure on public sector jobs while driving economic growth and national development.
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu