The government has taken a major step toward strengthening technical and vocational education, with President John Dramani Mahama and Cabinet granting in-principle approval for the establishment of a dedicated Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Fund.
The fund, expected to become operational in January 2027, is aimed at improving skills development and expanding practical training opportunities across the country.
Announcing the decision at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 20, Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu described the initiative as a major milestone for Ghana’s TVET sector.
“I’m happy to note that President Mahama and his Cabinet have given in-principle approval for a TVET Fund to be established,” he said.
“So, from January 2027, Ghana will have a dedicated TVET Fund.”
Mr Iddrisu disclosed that President Mahama has directed the Ministers for Finance, Education, and Energy to develop a sustainable financing model for the fund.
“The President has tasked three ministers—the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Education, and the Minister for Energy—to work out the modalities of how it will be funded,” he said.
“We are in discussion, and we will share with the public what we are able to do.”
According to the minister, the fund will support the construction of workshops, provide modern equipment for technical institutions, and shift TVET education from theory-based instruction to practical, work-oriented learning.
“We want to emphasise training and work-based learning and depart from the current system where you still do 90 per cent theory and 10 per cent practical,” he said.
“We intend that when we establish the TVET Fund, it will support the construction of more workshops and ensure they are adequately equipped.”
Mr Iddrisu also revealed that work is progressing on TVET Centres of Excellence in Salaga and Kumasi, which are expected to promote innovation and provide students with practical workplace experience.
“I’m aware that work is ongoing on TVET Centres of Excellence in Salaga and Kumasi to promote innovation and stimulate a real work environment,” he said.
Beyond technical education, the minister announced plans to expand access to secondary education through the construction of additional community day senior high schools.
He said although enrolment has increased significantly under the Free SHS policy, many Members of Parliament continue to request the conversion of day schools into boarding schools.
“It is the view of President Mahama that we should encourage the establishment of community day schools, similar to the one in Kwabenya. We will build one in Nima and another in Kasoa as part of the STAR-J Project,” he said.
He added that additional community day schools are planned for Nkwanta, Amasaman, and Kasoa under the STAR-J Project.
Mr Iddrisu also announced that the Volta Region will receive a new special needs education facility to improve access to education for learners with disabilities.
“I’m also happy to note that under the STAR-J Project, the Volta Region will benefit from a new special needs education facility to support learners with disabilities in the region,” he said.
He added that the location for a second special needs school is still being considered, with Kintampo and another town in the Upper East Region under review.
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