Accra: Stakeholders have called for strengthened support systems for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to improve school-to-work transition and reduce youth unemployment. The call was made during a webinar on the theme 'Youth Employment: Unlocking Ghana's Potential', where participants emphasised the need to enhance skills development, improve industry alignment, and address skills mismatch.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event was organised by the World Bank Ghana, in partnership with the African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET) and the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER). Madam Linda Yaa Ampah, Entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Cadling Fashions and KAD Manufacturing Limited, highlighted the importance of a comprehensive TVET framework to mobilise resources and translate skills into employment. She advocated for dedicated funding for TVET to serve as start-up capital for graduates to enhance industrial productivity.
Madam Ampah noted that TVET must go beyond traditional classroom approaches and adopt inclusive policies that strengthen vocational education. Meanwhile, Madam Monica Lambon-Quayefio, Associate Professor at the Department of Economics, University of Ghana, emphasized the necessity of a deliberate, well-resourced, and inclusive ecosystem for TVET to prepare the youth for the modern economy. She advocated for the development of a functional Labour Market Information System (LMIS), supported by private sector partnerships, job-matching services, and reliable data to inform resource allocation.
Madam Lambon-Quayefio also stressed the importance of supporting young people before, during, and after leaving school through systems linking education, employers, and support services. She encouraged students to pursue internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training to gain practical experience. Furthermore, she urged educational institutions to provide pre-employment support, including mentorship in curriculum vitae preparation, job search strategies, interview skills, and soft skills such as communication and teamwork.
Addressing gender-related barriers was also a key point, with Madam Lambon-Quayefio calling for measures to tackle safety concerns, mobility constraints, and social norms that contribute to higher dropout rates among females and limit access to employment opportunities. Participants at the webinar underscored the potential of TVET to drive youth employment and economic transformation, advocating for a comprehensive framework encompassing capacity building, apprenticeships, and start-up financing.