The Ministry of Education has secured 5 million euros in funding from the Italian government to revitalize Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, in the country.
The announcement was made by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu during the inauguration of the Ghana TVET Council in Accra on June 17.
Meanwhile, the Minister also revealed that the government will allocate two percent of the national budget annually to support the TVET sector.
“We have to collectively work to reposition technical and vocational education not as an alternative route. I am convinced that the best way to addressing growing unemployment in our country particularly youth unemployment will be to strengthen and invest in technical and vocational education.
“I am happy to announce that the Italian government is supporting technical and vocational education with five million euros. I should receive formal communication from the Italian government by the close of this week,” he disclosed.
The Minister expressed concern over the poor perception and development of TVET in Ghana.
He noted that many Ghanaians still see it as a second-tier option, which affects enrollment and progress.
He also highlighted the lack of infrastructure and modern tools, as well as the disconnect between academia and industry as major setbacks for the sector.
“We need to produce entrepreneurs who can create their own jobs and not depend on the overcrowded public sector.
“I am committed and driving it very strongly that Ghana should have a TVET fund. I am looking at two and a half percent of total revenue of Ghana into the TVET fund and that TVET fund if established the national apprenticeship programme will draw support from it,” he noted.
The newly sworn-in Chairman of the Ghana TVET Council, Sebastian Fred Deh, pledged to strengthen the link between education and industry to ensure skills taught match current job market demands.
“I will work tirelessly to ensure that our council delivers on its mandate. Indeed, our liaison with industry will not be lost on us. I wish to emphasise that the institutionalization of the skills development fund, the institutionalization of the national TVET framework will help the development of TVET in Ghana,” he said.
The newly formed Council is expected to drive policy and reforms that will make TVET a first-choice path for many young Ghanaians.
