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Economic growth

Transforming Education through Technical and Vocational Training: A Shift towards Innovation and Employment

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Ghana's Education Minister, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, emphasized the crucial role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in fostering innovation, employment, social mobility, and entrepreneurship, which are key drivers of sustainable economic growth. Speaking at the TVET Pitso and Expo in Gaborone, Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged the challenges faced by TVET systems, including high costs, public misconceptions, and difficulty in aligning training with industry needs. He expressed admiration for Botswana's proactive approach to reforming its TVET system and outlined Ghana's efforts to transform its education landscape, including the establishment of three new Technical Universities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, Ghana's Education Minister, stressed the importance of TVET in driving innovation, employment, social mobility, and entrepreneurship, which are key drivers of sustainable economic growth.
  • Despite its importance, TVET has historically faced negative perceptions and limited government investment, challenges common across many African nations.
  • Botswana's Human Resource Development Council has taken a proactive approach to reforming its TVET system, which has been recognized by Mr. Iddrisu as essential for creating a future-ready workforce.
  • Ghana has established three new Technical Universities focusing on Digital Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, and Applied Healthcare Sciences, which offer programs from short courses to bachelor's degrees aligned with industry demands.
  • Reforms in Ghana have led to the creation of the Ghana TVET Service and the enactment of legislation establishing the Commission for TVET (CTVET), which oversees skills training nationwide.
  • Industry-led sector skills bodies have been established to ensure curricula is responsive to labour market needs and aligned with environmental, social, and governance principles.
  • TVET enrollment in Ghana has increased dramatically, from approximately 42,000 students in 2018 to over 235,000 in 2024, highlighting the growing recognition of vocational training's role in national development.
  • Mr. Iddrisu called for greater support for young women pursuing careers in traditionally male-dominated trades and encouraged young men to consider roles in sectors like cosmetology and hairdressing.
  • Assistant Minister for State President Ms. Maipelo Mophuting described TVET as Botswana's tool of resilience, a vital engine for youth employment, inclusive growth, and sustainable communities.

Statistics:

  • TVET enrollment in Ghana increased from approximately 42,000 students in 2018 to over 235,000 in 2024.
  • Ghana has established three new Technical Universities focusing on Digital Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, and Applied Healthcare Sciences.
  • Industry-led sector skills bodies have been established to ensure curricula is responsive to labour market needs and aligned with environmental, social, and governance principles.
  • Botswana's Human Resource Development Council has taken a proactive approach to reforming its TVET system.
  • Ghana's reforms have led to the creation of the Ghana TVET Service and the enactment of legislation establishing the Commission for TVET (CTVET).

Sources:

  • Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, Ghana's Education Minister, speaking at the TVET Pitso and Expo in Gaborone.
  • Assistant Minister for State President Ms. Maipelo Mophuting speaking at the TVET Pitso and Expo in Gaborone.
  • The text of the speech delivered by Mr. Iddrisu at the TVET Pitso and Expo.

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