The Government of Ghana has taken another major step in its drive to transform technical and vocational education, as officials broke ground on a new TVET Centre of Excellence in Salaga on Saturday.

The project, spearheaded by the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) under the Ministry of Education, marks a renewed commitment to equipping young Ghanaians with employable skills to drive industrialisation and economic growth.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Director-General of CTVET, Mr Zakaria Sulemana, said the centre represents more than just a physical structure; it is a symbol of Ghana’s determination to make skills training a cornerstone of national development.

“We are not merely laying the foundation of concrete and steel; we are laying the foundation of opportunity, empowerment, and national transformation,” he said. “Skills are the currency of the modern economy, and investing in the youth is the surest way to secure our nation’s prosperous future.”

The new facility forms part of the government’s broader efforts to modernise and expand the TVET sector under the Reset Agenda and the 24-hour Economy Initiative. These initiatives are aimed at building a workforce that is globally competitive, adaptable, and capable of driving Ghana’s reindustrialisation efforts.

Under a partnership with De Lorenzo, a globally recognised Italian technical firm, the Salaga Centre is one of several state-of-the-art institutions being built across the country on a turnkey basis. The partnership goes beyond construction, encompassing technology transfer and comprehensive Training of Trainers programmes to ensure that Ghanaian instructors are equipped to operate and maintain the facilities to international standards.

Once completed, the centre will offer training in high-demand fields such as electrical installation, automation, renewable energy, electronics, automotive technology, food processing, garment making, and ICT. The aim is to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that young people acquire practical skills that translate directly into jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.

“Our goal is to build a comprehensive TVET ecosystem, one that connects training to employment, and learning to innovation,” the Director-General added.

He also called on all public and private TVET institutions to obtain accreditation from the Commission, emphasising that accreditation ensures quality, accountability, and global recognition of skills acquired by learners.

Among the key dignitaries at the ceremony were the special guest of honour, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education, Hon. Salisu Bi-Awuribe, the Minister for the Savannah Region, Hon. Ibrahimah Mohammed Zuwera, Member of Parliament for Salaga South, Kpembe-Wura Babanye Ndefosu, and representatives from De Lorenzo and development partners.

As Ghana accelerates its investment in skills development, the government hopes that initiatives like the Salaga TVET Centre of Excellence will play a critical role in preparing the country’s youth for the future of work.