Digital skills no longer optional for Ghana’s workforce – Dr Apaak 

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, says digital and green skills are no longer optional as Ghana retools its workforce for a rapidly changing global economy.

Dr Apaak made the assertion at the Canada–Ghana Workforce Development and Skills Forum held at The Palms by Eagles, Airport City in Accra, where he outlined the government’s priorities for skills development under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training framework.

He explained that global shifts driven by automation, artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and climate transition have fundamentally altered the nature of work, requiring deliberate action from countries with young populations like Ghana.

“Digital competence is no longer optional. It is foundational,” Dr Apaak said, stressing that workforce preparedness now depends on how well education systems respond to technological change.

He said the government has begun embedding digital skills across TVET programmes, moving beyond basic computer literacy to advanced, industry-relevant applications.

“Across our TVET programmes, we are embedding digital skills—ranging from basic digital literacy to advanced applications such as generative AI, automation, digital marketing, and sector-specific software delivered through blended and technology-enabled learning models,” he stated.

According to him, this approach is intended to ensure that graduates are productive and employable from the outset, rather than requiring retraining after entering the labour market.

Dr Apaak also highlighted the growing importance of environmental sustainability in workforce planning, noting that green skills have become central to Ghana’s development agenda. He said training areas now include renewable energy installation, sustainable construction, energy efficiency, waste management, recycling, and climate-smart agriculture.

“At the same time, Ghana is mainstreaming green skills across the TVET ecosystem,” he said, adding that the shift reflects both economic and environmental realities.

He linked the integration of green skills to broader national and global goals, noting that workforce transformation must support sustainability.

“This ensures our workforce not only supports economic growth but also advances climate resilience and sustainable development,” Dr Apaak said.

The Deputy Minister noted that aligning skills training with future economic needs requires strong partnerships, particularly with countries experienced in applied and industry-linked education.

He described Canada as a strategic partner whose strengths in workforce planning and inclusive skills development align with Ghana’s ambitions, saying collaboration must move beyond pilot projects to scalable systems.

Dr Apaak maintained that equipping young people with relevant digital and green skills is critical to turning Ghana’s demographic advantage into sustained economic progress, insisting that delay would only widen existing skills gaps.