By Ahmed TAHIRU
In recent years, Ghana has witnessed a significant surge in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) enrolments.
For the 2023/2024 academic year, over 60,000 new students enrolled in government TVET institutions, a substantial increase from the annual figures prior to 2017.
Despite this progress, TVET in Ghana is often perceived as a secondary option rather than a mainstream educational pathway.
This perception has contributed to systemic challenges, hindering TVET’s ability to address the country’s unemployment crisis and industrial needs.
Challenges facing TVET implementation
One of the primary challenges confronting TVET in Ghana is the persistent mismatch between the skills imparted and the actual demands of the job market.
Many TVET curricula have not kept pace with technological advancements and industry requirements, resulting in graduates who struggle to secure employment.
Additionally, there is a notable lack of practical training within these programs, limiting students’ hands-on experience and technical proficiency.
This gap is further exacerbated by inadequate funding, which leads to outdated equipment, limited training materials, and insufficient infrastructure. Without modern facilities, students are unable to gain real-world experience, putting them at a disadvantage when competing for jobs.
Moreover, many employers prefer university graduates over TVET alumni, reinforcing the perception that technical education is inferior to traditional academic pathways. A final challenge lies in the public perception of TVET.
Despite government efforts, many Ghanaians still associate TVET with academic failure or a lack of career prospects. This stigma discourages students from considering TVET as a viable and lucrative career path.
Strategies for Effective TVET Implementation
To unlock the full potential of TVET, Ghana must adopt a multifaceted approach:
- Reshaping public perception: Initiatives like the MyTVET campaign aim to change societal attitudes towards technical education by showcasing success stories and the impact of skilled trades on national development. More awareness campaigns, media engagements, and industry success narratives are needed to reposition TVET as a pathway to financial independence and professional success.
- Incentivizing youth participation: Scholarships, stipends, and structured career progression opportunities can attract more young people to TVET programs. Additionally, incorporating entrepreneurship training into TVET curricula will highlight the potential for self-employment and financial sustainability, making TVET more appealing to ambitious youth.
- Government-industry collaboration: Strong partnerships between the government, private sector, and educational institutions can ensure that TVET curricula align with industry demands. More apprenticeship programs, internships, and industry placements will provide students with hands-on experience, increasing their employability.
- Investment in modern facilities: Upgrading TVET institutions with state-of-the-art equipment, digital tools, and competent instructors will enhance the quality of education. More investment in research and innovation will also ensure TVET keeps pace with global technological trends.
TVET: the key to Ghana’s future workforce
Embracing and strengthening TVET is pivotal for Ghana’s socio-economic transformation. Here’s why TVET holds the key to the nation’s workforce and economic growth:
- Addressing unemployment: With youth unemployment rates exceeding 50%, TVET provides practical skills that lead directly to employment or entrepreneurship. Sectors like construction, manufacturing, and technology urgently require skilled professionals, and TVET can bridge this gap.
- Supporting industrialization: Ghana’s industrialization ambitions depend on a technically skilled workforce. TVET graduates play a critical role in operating machinery, maintaining infrastructure, and driving industrial innovation, making them indispensable to national development.
- Enhancing global competitiveness: A well-structured TVET system produces skilled professionals who meet international labour standards, attracting foreign investment and job opportunities. If properly implemented, TVET can position Ghana as a hub for technical expertise in Africa.
- Fostering entrepreneurship: By equipping individuals with practical skills in trades such as electrical engineering, carpentry, and ICT, TVET enables them to start and sustain their own businesses. This not only reduces dependency on white-collar jobs but also stimulates local economies and fosters economic resilience.
A government commitment to TVET growth
In his State of the Nation Address on February 27, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating TVET into Ghana’s educational system. This commitment underscores the recognition of TVET as a strategic driver of job creation, innovation, and economic sustainability.
As part of this vision, the government must continue prioritizing policies that support skills development, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.
Conclusion
The future of Ghana’s workforce depends on the effective implementation and elevation of TVET. By reshaping public perception, incentivizing youth participation, and strengthening government-industry collaborations, TVET can become a cornerstone of national development.
Technical and vocational education is not just an alternative—it is a strategic solution to unemployment, industrialization, and economic prosperity. Ghana must fully embrace and invest in TVET to unlock its full potential and secure a sustainable future for its citizens.
>>>the writer is a financial literacy advocate and aspiring entrepreneur with a mission to empower individuals through knowledge. He believes that financial education is key to personal and community growth. Outside of his advocacy work, Ahmed is an avid reader and writer, constantly learning and sharing insights. Guided by the philosophy, “Your attitude, not your aptitude will determine your altitude,” he focuses on fostering a positive mindset for success in all endeavours. He can be reached via +233 543 460 166 and or [email protected]
