• Government plans to expand TVET access and build centers in every region
• TVET funding rose 224% since 2018, but enrollment growth remains stagnant
• Deputy Minister calls for stronger links between training, jobs, and industry

Only 43 percent of Ghanaians aged 15 to 24 are currently enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Ghana is now working to expand access to this form of education and make it more appealing to meet labor market needs.

During the presentation of the final report from the national education forum last week, Deputy Education Minister Clement Apaak emphasized the importance of TVET in achieving the country's development goals. He stated that without consistent and long-term investment in TVET, Ghana's industrial and economic ambitions will fall short. His comments, also posted on social media, come at a time when TVET remains underappreciated and underused, despite its potential to close the gap between education and employment.

To address these challenges, the government plans to make TVET a cornerstone of its industrial strategy. "We will build modern and well-equipped TVET centers in each region. We will also establish strong partnerships with the private sector to ensure that training effectively leads to employment or entrepreneurship," said Apaak.

Although government funding for TVET has increased by 224 percent since 2018, higher-level enrollment has barely changed. Between the 2015/2016 and 2019/2020 academic years, enrollment rose only slightly, from 52,765 to 56,610 students, according to a 2021 report by the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET). This gap between investment and outcomes highlights the urgent need to improve the appeal of TVET and align its programs more closely with economic demands.

The government's political will must now lead to practical outcomes. Building modern facilities and creating strong industry ties are vital steps, but they require sustained resources. Ensuring the quality of instruction and the recognition of qualifications in the job market will also be essential to making TVET a viable and respected path for young Ghanaians.