Ghana is committed to aligning technical education with labour market demands – Dr. Apaak to Donors

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has stressed the need for Ghana’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions to equip students with skills that meet the demands of the labour market.

He said the success of technical education should be measured by whether graduates acquire the practical skills needed to secure relevant employment and contribute to the country’s economic development.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new office of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Accra on Friday, October 9, Dr. Apaak said Ghana’s partnership with Italy was helping to strengthen the country’s TVET sector.

“Government’s commitment to strengthening TVET as a driver of economic development is not a line in a policy document.

“It is a test: whether the young people who pass through our technical institutions leave with skills that match what the labour market needs. That is the standard we hold ourselves to, and it is the standard partnerships like ours with Italy help us meet,” he said.

Dr. Apaak identified skills development as essential to preparing young people for employment in a rapidly changing economy.

He said Ghana valued its collaboration with Italy through initiatives including RISE-G, INSPIRE and SEE, which were helping to strengthen TVET, build the capacity of instructors and expand employment opportunities for young people.

The Deputy Minister said effective cooperation between Ghana and its development partners was important to ensuring that education and training translated into meaningful opportunities for graduates.

He also encouraged the Italian agency and other Italian partners to deepen their engagement with the Ministry of Education to expand existing programmes and explore new areas of cooperation.

“Ultimately, whether through vocational training, higher education or innovation, our common goal is the same: investing in Ghana’s human capital and creating opportunities for the next generation,” he said.

Dr. Apaak made the remarks as Ghana and Italy sought to build on their development cooperation following the establishment of AICS’ new office in Accra.

The office is expected to provide a platform for closer engagement on shared development priorities, including education, skills training and opportunities for young people.

He said the Ministry remained open to working with AICS and its partners to ensure that cooperation produced concrete results for Ghanaian youth.