The Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing policies and initiatives that ensure inclusive and equitable quality education while promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Africa Regional Conference on Education and Skills Development in Accra, Dr. Adutwum highlighted the ongoing efforts to update Ghana’s education curriculum to align with 21st-century demands. The revised curriculum, he noted, emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy to better equip students for the modern workforce.
“We are expanding and modernizing our Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs to provide students with the technical skills required in various industries,” he stated.
The conference, organized by ESDEV Foundation Africa in collaboration with Accra Technical University (ATU), brought together policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and young professionals to discuss strategies for addressing youth unemployment and fostering skills development for entrepreneurship and employability. Themed “Unlocking Africa’s Youth Potential for Socio-economic Transformation,” the conference aimed to identify solutions to the skills gap affecting Africa’s youth.
Dr. Adutwum emphasized that Africa’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but a driving force today, capable of propelling the continent towards socio-economic development and global competitiveness.
“In Ghana, we recognize that sustainable development hinges on empowering our youth through quality education and robust skills development programs. It is essential to equip them with both the knowledge and the practical skills needed to thrive in an evolving global economy,” he said.
Call for Collaboration and Innovation
The Minister called for stronger partnerships between the education sector, industry, civil society, and international organizations to enhance the relevance and impact of educational programs. He stressed that fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth is key to job creation and economic growth, urging development partners to provide the necessary support and resources to complement government efforts.
TVET as a Catalyst for Youth Empowerment
Professor Francis Owusu-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of ESDEV Foundation Africa, underscored the critical role of TVET in equipping young people with entrepreneurial skills and practical knowledge essential for sustainable development.
“TVET is not just an alternative educational pathway; it is a powerful tool for empowering youth, reducing unemployment, and fostering a culture of self-reliance and entrepreneurship,” he said.
He announced that the Foundation would deepen its collaboration with Technical Universities in Ghana and across Africa through its flagship projects, ‘Innovate 4 Employment’ and ‘Innovate Launch.’ These initiatives, previously unveiled in South Africa and Nigeria, aim to support student entrepreneurs by providing resources, mentorship, and funding to transform innovative ideas into successful start-ups.
“The program will be launched in Ghana in August 2024, targeting students passionate about entrepreneurship and TVET. It will offer a structured pathway to develop, refine, and launch business ventures,” he added.
Advancing TVET Education at Accra Technical University
Professor Amevi Acakpovi, Acting Vice Chancellor of Accra Technical University, highlighted the University’s strides in advancing TVET education and promoting entrepreneurship among students.
“We have successfully launched new Bachelor of Technology and Master’s programs, alongside strong partnerships with industry leaders to provide hands-on training and cooperative education opportunities,” he stated.
These initiatives, he noted, have established a solid foundation for students to develop skills and competencies essential for success in the modern workforce.
The conference concluded with a call to action for greater investment in TVET, innovation, and entrepreneurship as key drivers for reducing youth unemployment and enhancing Africa’s socio-economic development.