Rotary International District 9104’s Vocational Training Teams Committee held its maiden edition of the Vocational & Professional Conference (VPC2025), bringing together Rotarians, Rotaractors, thought leaders, and guests to share knowledge, celebrate achievements and Rotary’s contributions to societal growth and development.
The VPC2025, organized by Rotary and Rotaract District 9104, was set to be a landmark event aimed at empowering tomorrow’s workforce.
The conference, themed “Empowering Tomorrow’s Workforce: Navigating the Future of Professional and Vocational Trades,” brought together distinguished speakers and professionals discussing the future of vocational and professional trades.
The conference highlighted a diverse lineup of speakers and workshops designed to foster vocational skills and professional growth. Attendees had the chance to engage with thought leaders, participate in interactive sessions, and explore innovative solutions to industry challenges.
This conference stands as a beacon of excellence, driving forward the mission of Rotary and Rotaract to build a better world through education and service.
The event featured a special guest of honour, Rotarian Florence Maame Hagan, the District Governor of RID9104 who emphasized the importance of Rotary’s values of service, fellowship, and integrity. “At the heart of Rotary is the belief that each of us has the duty to serve others through our vocations, explore new ways to integrate vocational service into our everyday lives, thereby enhancing our ability to effect change,” said DG Maame.
“Let us invest in vocational training and professional development by equipping the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and ethical framework needed to navigate the complexities of our world”. We are proud of the progress we’ve made, but we recognize that there is still much work to be done. Let us continue to work together, to support one another, and to make a difference in the lives of those around us with vocational service projects.”
The guest speaker for the conference – David Prah, a TVET Specialist, and Director-General of Ghana TVET Service reiterated TVET’s relevance to promoting socio-economic development as well as the government’s commitment to supporting local communities and promoting entrepreneurship.
In an address on his behalf, Engineer Christian Agordah the Regional Director of the Volta Regional Ghana TVET Service and supported by Kojo Adu – the Head of Partnerships indicated that the backbone of any thriving economy lies with its human capital and as such the TVET seeds we plant today will grow into mighty industrial advancement and economic prosperity.
TVET programs provide individuals with practical and technical skills that are directly applicable to various industries. This creates a more competent and productive workforce, which in turn attracts businesses and investments.
By equipping people with job-ready skills, TVET reduces unemployment rates, bridges the gap between education and employment, and ensures that graduates can quickly find jobs in their field of training.
Other notable speakers included PDG David Amankwah, Managing Director of 1957 David Walter Limited; PDG Victor Yaw Asante, MD/CEO of FBN Bank Ghana; and DGND Frank K. Owusu Debrah, Planning Specialist at Sunyani Technical University who spoke about the Future of Engineering, Banking and on Global Grants and Vocational Service Projects respectively.
Rex Owusu Marfo, a renowned Ghanaian Highlife musician and creative entrepreneur; David Ofosu-Dorte, Senior Partner at AB & David Africa; and Dona Cooper-Dockery, MD, Founder of Cooper Internal Medicine & Wellness Center also featured at this hybrid conference discussing the Future of the Arts and Copyright, the Legal Profession and on Health and Wellness respectively.
The conference hosted Rotarian Baptista S. Gebu, the District Vocational Chair in her opening remarks alerted “In today’s fast-changing world the importance of vocational training and professional development cannot be overstated. She called on attendees to focus on training, mentorship, coaching, engagement, and empowerment to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow today and consider their vocations as another opportunity for service”.
Participating clubs included Rotary Clubs of Accra West, Tema, Tema Community 25, Achimota Grey City, Accra-East, Winneba, Accra-Airport East, Accra-Ring Road Central, Accra-Spintex, Tema Meridian, Kumasi, E-Club of Ghana, and Rotaract Clubs of Accra-Ring Road Central and Tema Meridian.
“Enough of the bricks and mortar, health and WASH projects, let us focus our energies on Vocational Service projects” an attendee mentioned during the panel session. “The excitement of this VPC2025 must not quickly fade away and be forgotten – it’s a great initiative and must continue” Mr. Rex Omar mentioned as he encouraged attendees to make use of the Intellectual property (IP) law in Ghana which protects the rights of creators and producers of intellectual goods and services focusing on copyright, patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and unfair competition.
