A New Era in Technical and Vocational Education
The government has taken a significant step forward in its mission to reshape technical and vocational education, as officials recently broke ground on a new TVET Centre of Excellence in Salaga. This event, held on Saturday, marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s efforts to equip young people with the skills needed for industrialization and economic growth.
The project, led by the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) under the Ministry of Education, reflects a renewed commitment to fostering a skilled workforce that can drive national development. The centre is not just a physical structure but a symbol of Ghana’s determination to make skills training a core part of its future.
At the ceremony, the Director-General of CTVET, Mr. Zakaria Sulemana, emphasized the importance of the initiative. He stated, “We are not merely laying the foundation of concrete and steel; we are laying the foundation of opportunity, empowerment, and national transformation.” He highlighted that skills are essential in the modern economy and that investing in youth is crucial for securing a prosperous future for the nation.
The new facility is part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize and expand the TVET sector through initiatives such as the Reset Agenda and the 24-hour Economy Initiative. These programs aim to create a globally competitive workforce that can support Ghana’s reindustrialization efforts.
A key component of this project is the partnership with De Lorenzo, an Italian technical firm known for its expertise. The Salaga Centre is one of several state-of-the-art institutions being developed across the country on a turnkey basis. This collaboration extends beyond construction, involving technology transfer and comprehensive Training of Trainers programmes. These initiatives ensure that Ghanaian instructors are equipped to operate and maintain the facilities to international standards.
Once completed, the centre will provide training in high-demand fields such as electrical installation, automation, renewable energy, electronics, automotive technology, food processing, garment making, and ICT. The goal is to bridge the gap between education and employment, enabling young people to gain practical skills that lead to jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“Our goal is to build a comprehensive TVET ecosystem, one that connects training to employment, and learning to innovation,” said the Director-General.
He also urged all public and private TVET institutions to obtain accreditation from the Commission. Accreditation ensures quality, accountability, and global recognition of the skills acquired by learners.
Several key figures attended the ceremony, including Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education, Salisu Bi-Awuribe, Minister for the Savannah Region, Ibrahimah Mohammed Zuwera, Member of Parliament for Salaga South, the Kpembe-Wura Babanye Ndefosu, and representatives from De Lorenzo and development partners.
As Ghana continues to invest in skills development, the government hopes that initiatives like the Salaga TVET Centre of Excellence will play a critical role in preparing the country’s youth for the future of work.