Dr. Patrick Essien, a lecturer at the University of Cape Coast and a leading expert in STEM and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), has called on the government to prioritize the establishment of free TVET centers across Ghana.
According to Dr. Essien, expanding access to vocational education is essential for equipping young people with the practical skills needed to drive economic growth, enhance productivity, and combat unemployment.
“TVET education is critical in building a skilled workforce. Free vocational training centers will not only increase accessibility but also ease the financial burden on students and their families,” Dr. Essien stated.
He stressed that investing in areas such as technology, engineering, and agriculture would help accelerate national development and create more employment opportunities.
The STEM expert further highlighted that Ghana’s unemployment rate could be significantly reduced if more young people received technical and vocational training tailored to the job market.
“By empowering the youth with relevant skills, we can foster entrepreneurship and ensure a more productive economy,” he added.
Dr. Essien urged the government to collaborate with private sector organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international partners to establish and equip TVET centers nationwide. He also emphasized the need for a comprehensive policy framework to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of vocational training initiatives.
His call comes amid President John Mahama’s recent pledge to revitalize the nation’s economy, boost productivity, and address youth unemployment. Many education and labour experts believe that strengthening the TVET sector could be a key strategy in achieving these goals.
