TVET Must Be a National Priority – Stakeholders Urge Government at COPTI 2025

Accra: Stakeholders in Ghana's technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector have called on the government to prioritize and adequately resource TVET institutions, describing the sector as the backbone of sustainable national development and industrial transformation. According to Ghana News Agency, during the 2025 Conference of Principals of Technical Institutions (COPT), held in Accra, the Director-General of the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), officials from the Ministry of Education, regional directors, principals, and industry partners emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, digital integration, and sustainable energy solutions across TVET schools. The conference, themed 'Quality TVET for All: Leveraging Digitalization and Sustainability for a Brighter Future,' highlighted the critical role of TVET in addressing youth unemployment, bridging the skills gap, and preparing Ghana's workforce for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Rev olution. The Conference identified political interference, inadequate logistics, and weak leadership training as significant factors affecting the effective management of technical schools. President of the COPTI, Ako Dometey, stated, "Digitalization, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy skills are the competencies that will turn today's graduates into tomorrow's employees." He also pointed out that many schools lack infrastructure, have overburdened staff, and operate without clear strategic plans. Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, reaffirmed the government's commitment to repositioning TVET at the core of Ghana's industrialization agenda. He announced plans to establish a dedicated Technical Vocational Education Fund to support infrastructure development, training materials, and capacity building. "This fund is not merely a policy choice-it is a national imperative," Hon. Iddrisu stated. Despite notable achievements, including the consolidation of over 230 institutions under the Ghana TVET Service and commendable performances in national competitions, stakeholders expressed concern over persistent challenges such as fragmented governance, policy overlaps between CTVET and the TVET Service, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of insurance for staff and students. A recent survey revealed that over 90% of institutions lack staff insurance, while more than 70% have no protection for learners. Principals also called for merit-based leadership appointments, continuous professional development for educators, and stronger industry collaboration to align training with market needs. In a speech read on behalf of Prof Kwabena Agyapong-Kodua, Vice-Chancellor of Pentecost University, by Rev. Dr. Michael Armah, Registrar Pentecost University, it was emphasized that leadership should be guided by expertise, vision, and commitment to excellence, rather than allegiance. "We must raise a new generation of leaders who will build a better Ghana-not just with skills, but with values," he said. The conference con cluded with a collective call to action to treat TVET not as a peripheral option but as a strategic investment in Ghana's future. Stakeholders urged the government to expedite the establishment of the TVET Fund and ensure that funding reaches classrooms where it matters most. The Conference focused on key strategies that principals can adopt to enhance technical education in their institutions.