Principals of Technical Institutions in the Volta Region have renewed calls for increased investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to improve skills development and produce industry-ready graduates.
The appeal was made at the 1st mid-year conference of the Conference of Principals of Technical Institutions (COPTI) in Ho, under the theme: “Leadership Strategies for Effective TVET Delivery.”
Addressing the conference, the Volta Regional Director of TVET, Ing. Christian Agordah, called on principals to adopt strategic leadership to overcome the challenges confronting technical education.
He clarified that under the Free TVET policy, government absorbs only demonstration fees, while parents are responsible for providing practical materials for their wards.
Ing. Agordah, also noted that many artisans from neighbouring Togo outperform local artisans because they undergo up to six years of practical apprenticeship and training, compared to shorter training periods in Ghana.
He said the TVET Service is introducing reforms to ensure trainees complete their apprenticeship before certification and are better prepared for industry.
He further stressed the need to strengthen discipline in schools and produce graduates who can compete globally.
The Regional Chairman of COPTI, Christian Kwami, highlighted inadequate equipment, shortage of teachers, and limited industrial attachment opportunities as major challenges affecting effective TVET delivery.
He appealed to government to invest more in technical institutions to improve the quality of training.
“Most of our schools are not well equipped and it affects teaching, learning and training,” Mr Kwami said.
“We have 27 technical institutes across the region but only few are somehow equipped but the rest, there is nothing to write home about. So, we are appealing to the government to come to our aid,” he added.
The conference is expected to develop practical strategies to strengthen leadership, address key challenges, and improve the delivery of technical and vocational education in the Volta Region.
By Faisel Abdul Iddrisu
