TVET Milestones Praised by Education Minister

Ghana’s Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, took center stage at the 2025 TVET Pitso Forum last Thursday, where he highlighted Ghana’s sweeping reforms and remarkable progress in transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The forum, hosted at Ba Isago University and co-organised by Botswana’s Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), was officially opened by President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana.

Addressing an international audience, Mr. Iddrisu emphasized the urgent need to reposition TVET as a cornerstone of Africa’s industrial future. He underscored the importance of human capital in adapting to the fast-changing demands of the global job market, stating that a skilled workforce is central to national development.

“Technical and vocational education is no longer a fallback option—it is a strategic pillar for our economic transformation,” the minister said. “Ghana has made it a top priority to ensure TVET becomes an engine for industrialisation, innovation, and youth employment.”

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged the shared historical barriers many African countries face in developing effective TVET systems. These include limited public investment, outdated perceptions that stigmatize vocational careers, and a disconnect between training institutions and labour market needs. However, he noted that Ghana has responded with a series of bold, targeted interventions aimed at reshaping the landscape.

“By removing these obstacles and building strong linkages between training and industry, we are creating a system that empowers young people with the skills they need to thrive,” he added.

Strategic Investments and New Institutions

Among the most significant reforms has been the creation of three new technical universities, each with a specialised focus: Digital Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, and Applied Healthcare Sciences. These institutions provide a variety of programmes, ranging from short-term certifications to full Bachelor of Technology degrees, expanding access and relevance across diverse sectors.

Mr. Iddrisu explained that the Ghanaian government has also committed to strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across all levels, to better prepare students for technical careers. Campaigns aimed at shifting public attitudes and breaking down gender stereotypes in TVET have also been launched.

Regulatory and Policy Overhauls

In discussing legislative achievements, the minister pointed to the Education Regulatory Bodies Act 2020, which established the Commission for TVET (CTVET). This body now oversees policy development, regulation, and the promotion of skills-based training across the country.

To enhance industry involvement, the government has introduced Sector Skills Bodies (SSBs)—collaborative platforms that ensure curricula are designed to meet actual labour market demands. This approach has made Ghana’s training programmes more practical and employment-focused.

Another key reform, the Pre-Tertiary Education Act 2020, led to the creation of the Ghana TVET Service, tasked with managing all public pre-tertiary TVET institutions. This has allowed for more unified oversight and the implementation of competency-based, industry-led instruction models.

Rapid Growth in TVET Enrolment

These reforms have already begun to yield tangible results. Mr. Iddrisu shared that enrolment in TVET institutions has surged dramatically—from just over 42,000 students in 2018 to more than 235,000 by the 2024 academic year.

“This growth reflects renewed confidence in technical and vocational education as a viable and valuable career path,” he said.

Call for Support and Collaboration

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Iddrisu encouraged stakeholders to support Botswana’s HRDC and other regional efforts through funding, partnerships, and technical assistance. He stressed the need for inclusive policies that promote female participation and create equal opportunities in TVET sectors traditionally dominated by men.

“The future of Africa’s workforce lies in the strength of our skills systems,” he said. “Let us work together to ensure no one is left behind.”