The Member of Parliament for Offinso North, Fred Kofi Asamoah, has called for the urgent prioritisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), describing it as a critical tool for Ghana’s economic transformation, industrialisation, job creation, and national security.
Presenting a statement on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday June 24, the Offinso North lawmaker urged government, policymakers, industry players, and educational institutions to place greater emphasis on skills development and technical training to equip the country’s youth with employable and industry-relevant skills.
According to him, Ghana cannot achieve meaningful industrial growth and sustainable economic development without investing heavily in a skilled and technically competent workforce capable of driving innovation, manufacturing, and productivity across key sectors of the economy.
Hon. Asamoah pointed to the German Dual Vocational Education and Training System as a successful model that Ghana could study and adapt to strengthen its own TVET framework.
He explained that the German system, which evolved from historical apprenticeship traditions and was further strengthened after World War II, effectively combines classroom instruction with practical industry-based training.
The former Director-General of the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), noted that the integration of academic learning with hands-on industrial experience has enabled Germany to build a highly skilled labour force that supports its globally competitive manufacturing and industrial sectors.
He stressed that Ghana must move beyond the perception of TVET as a secondary educational pathway and instead recognise it as a central pillar of national development.
“Technical and vocational education should not be viewed as an alternative for those who could not pursue traditional academic routes. It must be recognised as a strategic national asset capable of transforming the economy and empowering the youth,” he stated.
Hon. Asamoah further argued that prioritising TVET would help address the growing unemployment challenge in the country, particularly among the youth, by providing practical skills that align with the demands of the labour market.
He explained that a robust TVET system would also encourage entrepreneurship and reduce overdependence on white-collar jobs, while creating opportunities for self-employment and small-scale industrial growth.
The lawmaker additionally linked skills development to national security, warning that rising unemployment and lack of opportunities for young people could contribute to social unrest and insecurity if not urgently addressed.
He therefore called for stronger collaboration between government, educational institutions, and the private sector to ensure that technical training programmes are aligned with industry needs and evolving technological advancements.
Hon. Asamoah also advocated increased investment in training infrastructure, modern equipment, apprenticeship programmes, and capacity building for instructors to improve the quality and attractiveness of TVET education across the country.
He expressed optimism that with the right policies and sustained commitment, Ghana could develop a competitive workforce capable of driving industrialisation and positioning the country strongly within the global economy.
The statement adds to growing national conversations on the need to reform and strengthen Ghana’s technical and vocational education sector as part of broader efforts to tackle unemployment and accelerate economic growth.
By 1960news.com
