National Education Forum Report: Treating TVET as second option must end – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the era of treating Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a secondary priority must end.

Speaking at the Jubilee House for the presentation of the Final Report of the National Education Forum, President Mahama explained that education is the heartbeat of every progressive society.

According to him, education should not be merely the transmission of knowledge, “it is the empowerment of minds, the nurturing of character, and the preparation of young people to become responsible citizens and productive members of the economy.

“Second, we must elevate and transform Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). For too long, TVET has been treated as a second-tier option. That must end. We will build modern, well-resourced TVET institutions across all regions, aligned with emerging economic sectors such as agro-processing, green energy, manufacturing, construction, and digital services. And we will forge strong partnerships with industry to ensure that training leads to employment or entrepreneurship.”

President Mahama disclosed that the report proposes an ambitious and necessary reform: “the full rollout of a National Apprenticeship Programme, integrated into the formal education and skills development framework.”

He stated that the National Apprenticeship Programme aligns with the broader goal of building a 24-hour economy, which depends on skilled labour operating across multiple shifts and sectors.

“We must give our young people real pathways to learn on the job, earn while learning, and transition seamlessly into productive careers.”

President Mahama expressed his deepest appreciation to all those who contributed to the National Education Forum.

“From our teachers and students, to researchers, traditional authorities, educational administrators, faith-based organisations, the private sector, and development partners. The Final Report we receive today is a product of your insights, your lived experiences, and your unwavering commitment to Ghana’s future”, he added.

The Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, Executive Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, and his Deputy, Dr. Clement Apaak, Professor K. T. Oduro, who chaired the eight-member committee, among others, were present for the ceremony.