Accra, Nov. 6, GNA- Ghana’s development agenda depends heavily on a workforce that can build infrastructure, maintain machinery, improve agricultural productivity and support manufacturing, Alhaji Salah Kweku Kalmoni, Executive Director of Lakeside Estate, has said.
Alhaji Kalmoni has therefore appealed to Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions to help meet these needs by training more technicians, and skilled professionals who are vital to economic transformation.
Alhaji Kalmoni said this at an Advocacy Seminar for Junior High School (JHS) Learners on skills acquisition held at West African Senior High School, Adenta.
Various experts took the JHS learners through Automotive Technology, Electrical Installation, Building technology, ICT and Digital Application, Fashion and Design and Hospitality Management.
The seminar was held by Baraka Policy Institute (BPI) in collaboration with Ghana Education Service (La Nkwatanang Madina Education Directorate).
Alhaji Kalmoni noted that as Ghana advances towards industrial growth, TVET serves as a foundation for sustainable development.
The Executive Director of Lakeside Estate said one of the strongest advantages of TVET is its direct connection to employment opportunities in both formal and informal sectors.
He said TVET also offers a realistic and effective route to decent work and financial independence.
Alhaji Kalmoni citing an Oxford Business Group Report, recounted that construction accounted for eight per cent of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He said skills in tailoring, wielding, electrical installation, catering, carpentry and digital technology can be transformed into profitable enterprises to serve more communities.
“This entrepreneurial potential is important for Ghana, where youth innovation and self-reliance can reduce unemployment and stimulate local economies.”
Alhaji Kalmoni noted that youth unemployment remains a major challenge in Ghana, especially young people who complete school without marketable skills.
He said TVET could address the challenge of unemployment if education is aligned with labour market needs.
“By encouraging more young people to pursue TVET, Ghana can reduce unemployment while increasing productivity and economic inclusion,” he added.
He said China, for example, is changing about 300 academic universities into technical universities.
Alhaji Kalmoni recalled that for many years, TVET had been wrongly perceived as a “second choice” option compared to traditional academic education.
However, he said this perception is changing as governments, employers and educators increasingly recognise the value of technical skills in a modern economy.
“Young Ghanaian men and women should understand that TVET is a respected and strategic pathway that can lead to professional success, innovation, and lifelong career growth.”
He said choosing TVET could open doors to meaningful careers, self-employment and active participation in economic transformation.
Mr Philip Aidoo, Municipal Director of Education, La Nkwatanang Madina Education Directorate, said the notion that TVET was for those who are academically weak is untrue.
Mr Aidoo said TVET was not for those who fail their examinations but for people who are smart.
He urged learners not to look down on any skill or talent give to them by God, but they should work and improve on them.
Madam Eunice Mensah, Head, Career Guidance and Counselling, Corporate Office of the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, urged the learners to understand that there are no jobs and the government cannot employ everybody.
Madam Menah said the decisions and choices the learners will make in relation to TVET would determine their future.
She told the learners that many young girls who venture into TVET are doing exceptionally well in their field of endeavours.
Dr Haruna Zagoon-Sayeed, a Senior Lecturer, University of Ghana, Legon noted that many people want to be employed by the government, but government jobs are about 10 per cent available.
Dr Zagoon-Sayeed who is also the Executive Director of BPI, urged the learners to be job producers instead of job seekers.
“You must have the jobs and be asking people to come and take the jobs,” he added.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Joyce Danso