Ghana’s push to transform its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector has come under renewed scrutiny following the launch of the Ghana TVET Report in Accra, where stakeholders called for urgent reforms in financing, infrastructure, and digital integration.
Speaking at the launch on the theme “Building TVET Systems for Economic Transformation in Ghana,” Director-General of the Ghana TVET Service, Dr. Engnr. Eric Kofi Adzroe, stressed that the future of TVET lies not just in expanding access, but in fundamentally rethinking how skills are delivered. He noted that in an era shaped by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, simply offering computing courses is no longer sufficient. Instead, digital skills must be embedded across all areas of training—from teaching methods to student assessment.
Dr. Adzroe explained that modern TVET requires a shift toward digitalised delivery systems, where even traditionally manual trades like welding incorporate advanced digital techniques. However, he admitted that many institutions lack the infrastructure to support this transition, with some schools still struggling with basic facilities such as workshops and desks.
A major concern raised was the inadequate funding for practical training. Currently, students receive about GH¢39 annually for practical work—an amount stakeholders say cannot support even a single meaningful exercise. As a result, students who are expected to undertake regular hands-on training often do so infrequently, undermining their competency.
“If you limit practical training to what the budget can afford, you will produce graduates who are certified on paper but lack real-world skills,” Dr. Adzroe warned, highlighting the growing gap between certification and industry readiness.
Despite producing tens of thousands of TVET graduates annually, concerns persist that many lack the competencies required by employers. This has led to a cycle where graduates either seek additional training or remain unemployed.
Kofi Asare of Eduwatch, who presented the report, described it as a critical tool for reform, noting that it provides an opportunity for policymakers and institutions to realign their strategies. He emphasized the importance of skills acquisition in addressing youth unemployment, warning that academic qualifications without practical skills offer limited economic prospects.
The report further revealed systemic challenges, including low investment in the sector. Ghana currently allocates about 2.5% of its education budget to TVET—significantly below the 6 to 8% average among peer countries. This funding gap has constrained the sector’s ability to invest in modern equipment, digital tools, and industry partnerships.
Infrastructure deficits remain stark. Only a small fraction of TVET institutions have reliable internet access, limiting their ability to deliver digital training or equip students with skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital entrepreneurship, and online marketing.
While acknowledging these challenges, Dr. Adzroe noted that efforts are underway to improve the situation through partnerships and government interventions. He pointed to ongoing initiatives to upgrade equipment and expand digital infrastructure, describing the process as gradual but necessary.
The Ghana TVET Service has also begun reforms to increase practical training exposure, with current efforts achieving about 68% practical engagement. Plans are underway to push this figure even higher, including structured industry attachments to ensure students gain real-world experience.
Ultimately, stakeholders at the launch agreed that without a significant shift in financing models and a stronger commitment to digital transformation, Ghana risks producing underprepared graduates in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The report concludes with a strong call for government to review its approach to funding TVET, arguing that treating it the same as general secondary education undermines its practical nature. Without bold reforms, the ambition to build a competitive, skills-driven workforce may remain out of reach.
