Ghana’s vast natural resources, including timber, gold, bauxite, oil, shea butter, and cocoa, have long been celebrated as pillars of the nation’s economy.

However, despite the abundance of these resources, the country has struggled to achieve the level of development expected.

According to the former Director-General of the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Services, Mawusi Nudekor, the root of the problem lies in the country’s neglect of TVET.

Speaking to Emefa Apawu on the EduTalk Show Monday, Madam Nudekor emphasised the critical role that TVET plays in transforming raw materials into valuable products, which can, in turn, generate jobs and drive economic growth.

She argued that while Ghana has the raw materials, the country’s failure to prioritize TVET has resulted in missed opportunities for adding value and creating jobs for its people.

The educationist firmly believes that TVET is the game-changer if the nation is to prosper. Hence, there is a need for a paradigm shift to technical and vocational skills development.

"We have timber, gold, bauxite, oil, shea butter, cocoa. We have all these things, yet we are not developed. It is because TVET was not paid attention to. It’s adding value to these raw materials that is going to create the jobs for the critical mases especially," she said.

The former Director-General’s comments come at a time when there is a growing recognition of the need for enhanced vocational and technical training in Ghana.

She further emphasised that cottage industrialisation is crucial for Ghana's development, and TVET equips students with the skills to start their own businesses, either during or after their schooling.

Ghana is grappling with a growing youth unemployment crisis, but efforts to harness the potential of this youthful population through skills development and entrepreneurship initiatives are ongoing.

As the country seeks to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on raw material exports, stakeholders in industry and education like Nudekor are advocating for a renewed focus on TVET as a means to unlock Ghana’s full potential.

By investing in TVET, Ghana can build the skilled workforce needed to process its natural resources, create sustainable jobs, and ultimately drive the country’s development forward.