The German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, has praised the Ghanaian government for increasing its budget expenditure on education in the country.
He particularly praised the bold implementation of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, noting that the substantial investment in this initiative positions Ghana as a leader in educational development on the continent.
Mr Krull made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the two-day Ghana International Education Exhibition and Idea Factory (Educata24) held in Accra on Monday.
The event was attended by key stakeholders in Ghana’s education sector, including TVET advocacy groups, representatives from the German Industry and Commerce in Ghana, the Commission for TVET Ghana, Ghana TVET Service, and various international institutions involved in the TVET sector.
The exhibition, themed “Hands-on Learning for Career and Business Success,” attracted hundreds of Ghanaian youths seeking employment opportunities and avenues to build their skills.
Mr Krull highlighted the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and praised Ghana’s Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, for his efforts to improve access to STEM education and revitalize TVET in the country.
The ambassador emphasized that for Ghana to remain competitive within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), there is a need to enhance the skill sets of the youth to ensure productivity and employability.
“For Africans to become competitive with the African Free Trade Area, a more highly qualified workforce is essential,” Mr Krull stated.
He also pledged the German government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education in Ghana, underlining the importance of advanced teaching practices and experiences.
The Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum expressed his gratitude to the German government for its support, particularly in the TVET sector, which has received considerable technical assistance from Germany.
He acknowledged the positive impact of the current state of education in Ghana and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that taxpayers continue to see the benefits of their contributions.
Dr. Adutwum further explained that the substantial investment made by the government led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is yielding results, alleviating the burden many parents previously faced in educating their children at the pre-tertiary level.
He also reminded Ghanaians of the importance of retaining the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in power to continue the ongoing educational reforms.
The Education Minister and the German Ambassador, along with other dignitaries, toured the exhibition booths, showcasing support services from educational institutions and technology providers to empower the Ghanaian youth.