Young Ghanaians have been encouraged to embrace vocational and technical education as a pathway to sustainable livelihoods and a means of reducing unemployment across the country.

This call was made during the BENGIFT School of Fashion’s Annual Graduation and Unveiling of New Collections in Koforidua under the theme “Ignite the Runway.”

The ceremony brought together students, designers, and industry stakeholders, featuring an array of striking collections from BENGIFT Clothing and Dorcy Designs.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Executive Officer of the school and chairman of the occasion, Mr Okyere Bernard Boahene, underscored the transformative power of vocational education.

“At BENGIFT, we believe in nurturing talents that go beyond the classroom. Our mission is to develop fashion entrepreneurs who can create jobs, drive sustainability, and project Ghana’s creative excellence onto the global stage,” he said.

Special Guest of Honour, Mr Nathaniel Tetteh Guamah, the Eastern Regional Director of the National Service Scheme, commended the graduates for their creativity and resilience.

He appealed to both government and private sector actors to intensify investment in vocational and technical institutions. “Vocational training is no longer a choice but a necessity. We must equip our young people with practical skills that make them employable and globally competitive,” he stated.

Professor Ohene Asiedu, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Koforidua Technical University, also urged technical and vocational schools to align their training with contemporary trends in sustainable fashion, technology, and entrepreneurship.

The event reached its peak with the unveiling of the graduates’ new fashion collections—an exhibition of bold designs that harmonised African artistry with eco-friendly principles.

Over the years, the BENGIFT School of Fashion has trained hundreds of young people in creative design, tailoring, and garment technology.

Through its emphasis on innovation and self-employment, the institution continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s growing fashion industry and promoting sustainability within the creative economy.