Accra: Mr Robert Amontcho, the Oti Regional Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), has highlighted the establishment of five vocational training institutes in the region as a pivotal development in equipping youth with practical skills and fostering socio-economic growth.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Amontcho emphasized that the rise in TVET institutions is crucial in bridging the skills gap among the youth by offering hands-on, industry-relevant training. This approach is designed to prepare graduates for both employment opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures. He pointed out that the modern workforce requires more than just academic credentials, with employers increasingly valuing practical abilities and technical knowledge.
Mr Amontcho elaborated that these vocational institutes provide young individuals with the chance to acquire valuable skills, promoting self-reliance and enabling them to contribute significantly to their communities' development. After reviewing activities at various institutes, he praised the Nkwanta Vocational Training Institute for its effective training programs and commitment to graduating competent individuals.
He noted that graduates receive nationally recognized certificates, boosting their competitiveness in the job market and enhancing their employment prospects in different sectors. Mr Amontcho stressed that TVET's importance extends beyond job preparation; it plays a vital role in national economic growth by producing skilled artisans, technicians, and entrepreneurs capable of establishing businesses and creating jobs.
The Regional Director observed that many vocational graduates have successfully started their own enterprises, reducing reliance on government job opportunities and contributing to efforts to lower unemployment and poverty rates. He described TVET as an affordable and accessible alternative for those who may not pursue university education, highlighting its practical approach that provides learners with essential skills and experience for the workforce.
He called on traditional authorities, opinion leaders, and the residents of the Oti Region to maintain peace and stability, noting that a peaceful environment is crucial for attracting investment and accelerating development. Additionally, he encouraged parents and guardians to support their children's pursuit of technical and vocational education, portraying TVET as a viable path to decent employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable national development.
Mr Amontcho expressed optimism that with continued government investment and support from traditional leaders, development partners, and the public, the TVET sector in the Oti Region will keep expanding. This growth is expected to produce the skilled workforce necessary to drive Ghana's industrialization and economic transformation.