A new report by Education Watch Africa has labelled Ghana’s Technical, Vocational, Education, and Training (TVET) system as weak and struggling to meet international standards.
The research findings, released during a technical forum themed “Building TVET Systems for Economic Transformation in Ghana,” indicate that a staggering 96% of respondents believe the current TVET framework lacks the global competitiveness required for modern trade and labor markets.
Executive Director of Education Watch Africa, Kofi Asare, highlighted a critical funding disparity hindering the sector. Currently, only 2.5% of Ghana’s education budget is allocated to TVET, while peer nations invest between 6% and 8%.
Asare noted that this financial shortfall directly impacts the quality of graduates.
”When funding for TVET is low, it limits the ability of technical institutions to adapt the creative skills and competencies required to provide digital training,” Asare stated.
He warned that many students graduate “practically ignorant” because institutions lack the modern tools and equipment necessary to prepare them for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The report, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, the Africa Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET), and the Pan African Coalition for Transformation (PACT) outlined several key pillars for reform
These include increased budgetary allocation, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and promoting gender-sensitive policies and accessibility for People with Disabilities (PWDs) to prevent selectivity in the workforce
In response to the findings, Dr. Eric Adzroe, Director General of the Ghana TVET Service, described the report as “timely.”
He announced that the service is already realigning its academic calendar to prioritize hands-on experience.
Under the new review, students will spend more time on-site in various industries.
“As they spend more time in industry, they are able to grasp the hands-on practice for them to be competitive,” Dr. Adzroe explained, adding that facilitators within the industry will help identify and bridge skill gaps in real time.
Acknowledging the logistical hurdles, Mawusi Afii Agbenyo, Deputy Director-General in charge of Operations at the Ghana TVET Service, pointed to the establishment of a dedicated TVET Fund.
This initiative is projected to retool the sector, upgrade logistics, and address the systemic challenges identified in the Education Watch Africa report.
The ultimate goal remains clear: transforming TVET into a hub for “digital entrepreneurs” to accelerate job creation and ensure Ghanaian youth can compete on the global stage
Ghana’s TVET System lacks global competitiveness – Research
A new report by Education Watch Africa has labelled Ghana’s Technical, Vocational, Education, and Training (TVET) system as weak and struggling to meet international standards.
The research findings, released during a technical forum themed “Building TVET Systems for Economic Transformation in Ghana,” indicate that a staggering 96% of respondents believe the current TVET framework lacks the global competitiveness required for modern trade and labor markets.
Executive Director of Education Watch Africa, Kofi Asare, highlighted a critical funding disparity hindering the sector. Currently, only 2.5% of Ghana’s education budget is allocated to TVET, while peer nations invest between 6% and 8%.
Asare noted that this financial shortfall directly impacts the quality of graduates.
”When funding for TVET is low, it limits the ability of technical institutions to adapt the creative skills and competencies required to provide digital training,” Asare stated.
He warned that many students graduate “practically ignorant” because institutions lack the modern tools and equipment necessary to prepare them for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The report, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, the Africa Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET), and the Pan African Coalition for Transformation (PACT) outlined several key pillars for reform
These include increased budgetary allocation, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and promoting gender-sensitive policies and accessibility for People with Disabilities (PWDs) to prevent selectivity in the workforce
In response to the findings, Dr. Eric Adzroe, Director General of the Ghana TVET Service, described the report as “timely.”
He announced that the service is already realigning its academic calendar to prioritize hands-on experience.
Under the new review, students will spend more time on-site in various industries.
“As they spend more time in industry, they are able to grasp the hands-on practice for them to be competitive,” Dr. Adzroe explained, adding that facilitators within the industry will help identify and bridge skill gaps in real time.
Acknowledging the logistical hurdles, Mawusi Afii Agbenyo, Deputy Director-General in charge of Operations at the Ghana TVET Service, pointed to the establishment of a dedicated TVET Fund.
This initiative is projected to retool the sector, upgrade logistics, and address the systemic challenges identified in the Education Watch Africa report.
The ultimate goal remains clear: transforming TVET into a hub for “digital entrepreneurs” to accelerate job creation and ensure Ghanaian youth can compete on the global stage.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Joseph Atarika
