President of the CSIR College of Science and Technology, Professor Mark Appiah, is calling on government to intensify efforts to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) into Ghana’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.
He emphasised that STEM integration is essential to building a workforce capable of driving innovation, industrialisation, and participation in the digital economy.
Prof. Appiah made the remarks during a courtesy visit by a delegation from African Progressive Research and Innovations (APRIL-STEM) to his office at Cantonments in Accra.
The APRIL-STEM delegation included Mr. Daniel Aboagye, Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Louis Nana Asiedu, Project Coordinator; and Mr. Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, Chief Operating Officer.
Commending both past and current administrations for their recognition of TVET’s role in reducing youth unemployment and boosting skills development, Prof. Appiah noted that progress has gone beyond rhetoric to include significant reforms. These include the establishment of the Commission for TVET (CTVET), the Ghana TVET Service, the Education Strategic Plan (2018–2030), and the TVET Transformation Agenda.
Despite these efforts, he observed that TVET continues to suffer from a negative public image and called for sustained campaigns to rebrand it as a prestigious and viable career path.
“TVET is still widely perceived as a ‘last resort’ for academically weak students,” he said. “This social stigma must be dismantled through public education and by highlighting success stories of TVET graduates and entrepreneurs.”
He further recommended strengthening career guidance in junior and senior high schools to help students explore the vast opportunities available within the TVET space.
Prof. Appiah also highlighted a persistent mismatch between TVET training and labour market needs, particularly in soft skills, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship. He advocated for more structured, work-based learning opportunities such as internships and apprenticeships, backed by incentives for industry participation.
On STEM integration, he stated, “Integrating STEM into Ghana’s TVET system isn’t just about adding new subjects—it’s about transforming how skills are taught, learned, and applied in today’s economy.”
He proposed four key strategies for effective integration:
- Innovation Hubs – Establishing MakerSpaces and STEM labs in TVET institutions to support hands-on experimentation and design thinking.
- Instructor Training – Providing continuous professional development in STEM methodologies and incentivising advanced education for instructors.
- STEM Competitions – Organising frequent national and regional contests to foster creativity, innovation, and teamwork.
- Entrepreneurship Integration – Encouraging students to apply STEM knowledge in launching small-scale tech start-ups and digital solutions.
The APRIL-STEM team, in turn, acknowledged Prof. Appiah’s leadership and research experience, noting that their success in STEM education has stemmed from helping students translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. They expressed plans to collaborate with him as they scale up their nationwide impact.
“The APRIL-STEM team plans to utilise the research expertise of Prof. Mark Appiah in our bid to integrate STEM in TVET education,” they noted.
Prof. Appiah also commended the team’s contributions to STEM education in the Biakoye District and their voluntary support toward establishing a STEM Centre in Tapa Amanfrom, located in the Tapa Traditional Area of the Oti Region.
He concluded with a call for collaboration among policymakers, educators, industry stakeholders, and development partners to build a globally competitive, STEM-focused TVET system.
“With the right investment, partnerships, and policy alignment, Ghana can develop a STEM-capable workforce that drives sustainable economic transformation,” he affirmed.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Luiz Nana Asiedu
