Prioritising Community TVET Centres: The call to reset Ghana

Education is the foundation for the development and transformation of any nation. Countries that have reset their economies and transitioned from struggling systems to productive societies have done so through robust and practical education systems. Ghana finds itself at a crossroads, with the current government promising to reset the nation from its economic struggles, increase productivity, and make unemployment a thing of the past. However, achieving this vision requires a fundamental shift in how we approach education—specifically, a stronger focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

One of Ghana’s longstanding challenges has been the disconnect between education and industry needs. Our system has largely focused on theoretical knowledge, leaving many graduates without the practical skills needed for the job market. To truly reset Ghana, we must make education more practical, skill-based, and aligned with industry demands. A practical education system will not only create employment opportunities but also empower Ghanaians to become job creators rather than job seekers.

Dr Patrick Essien, a lecturer at the University of Cape Coast and a renowned STEM/TVET expert, has advised the government to prioritize the establishment of free TVET centres across the country to produce more skilled graduates. He argues that Competency-Based Training (CBT) under TVET can serve as a game-changer if given the necessary attention.

Ghana has witnessed significant investments in secondary education infrastructure. The previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, made the single largest contribution to secondary school stock by constructing 124 Community Day Senior High Schools, 46 of which were operationalized, and 27 others completed, as stated in Page 16 of the NDC 2024 Manifesto. While this effort was commendable, the next logical step should be a strategic shift towards Community-Based TVET Centers.

Dr Essien advocates that TVET centres should be designed based on the major production of raw materials in each community. This approach will ensure that education is directly linked to local economies, creating sustainable employment opportunities.

Here are some examples of how Community-Based TVET Centers can be implemented:

1. Agricultural Processing and Value Addition

• Communities in the Ashanti Region (Ejura, Mampong) and Brong-Ahafo Region (Techiman, Kintampo), known for their maize and yam production, should have TVET programs focusing on food processing, storage, and agribusiness development.
• Cocoa-producing areas like Sefwi, Suhum, and Nkawkaw should have TVET courses in cocoa processing, chocolate-making, and agro-processing industries.

1. Sustainable Mining and Mineral Processing

Mining communities like Tarkwa, Obuasi, and Prestea should offer TVET programs in safe and sustainable mining, mineral refining, and jewellery production, ensuring that raw materials are processed locally instead of being exported in raw form.

3. Water Engineering and Environmental Management

Communities around major rivers such as the Volta Region, Central Gonja (Bui Dam), and Northern Region should have TVET courses in water engineering, irrigation systems, dam construction, and environmental conservation. This will promote responsible water use and preservation for future generations.

4. Forestry, Herbal Medicine, and Wood Technology

Forest zone communities like Goaso, Nkawie, and Samreboi should focus on forestry management, timber processing, furniture production, and herbal medicine development. This will support sustainable forestry and alternative medicinal industries.

5. A Path to Economic Transformation

By adopting this community-based TVET strategy, Ghana can reset its economic trajectory and reduce unemployment. Such initiatives will ensure that education is not just a pathway to certification but a direct bridge to productivity and self-reliance. Competency-based training (CBT) is key—our graduates must be equipped with hands-on skills that align with industry needs, thereby reducing dependency on government jobs and fostering entrepreneurship.

Call to Action for the President

As Ghana’s current leadership seeks to reset the nation, H. E. President John Dramani Mahama and his administration must prioritize practical education reforms. Free TVET Centers aligned with community industries will be a major step toward economic recovery and sustainable development.

The time for action is now. Ghana’s future depends on an education system that truly empowers its people with the skills needed to transform industries, create jobs, and drive economic growth. By embracing TVET as the cornerstone of education reform, the government will not only fulfil its promise to reset Ghana but also secure a prosperous future for generations to come.

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The author, Dr Patrick Essien is a lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, UCC.

Source: myjoyonline.com