In a rapidly changing global economy, the demand for skilled labour is higher than ever.

Samuel Aboagye, National Secretary for the Local Mine Contractors Association, said the solution to youth unemployment and national development lies in investing in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

He has been advocating for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a catalyst for economic growth.

The National Secretary indicated that developing countries, including Ghana, must prioritise TVET to build a skilled workforce that can drive industrial and national development.

"TVET is not an alternative to education. It is the foundation of every successful industrialised nation. Without trained technicians, artisans, and engineers, there can be no mining, no construction, no manufacturing," he added.

Mr Samuel Aboagye stated that developing countries must stop treating vocational training as second-class education

He noted that Ghana’s mining industry continues to rely heavily on technically trained personnel, many of whom are products of local vocational institutions, warning that ignoring the potential of TVET is a missed opportunity for national transformation.

"We need more investments in TVET infrastructure, modern tools, and trainer capacity. Governments must create policies that empower our youth to become job creators through skills, not just certificate holders," the National Secretary emphasised.

Mr Samuel Aboagye has therefore called on educational stakeholders, policymakers, and development partners to mainstream TVET into all aspects of national development, including the mining sector and beyond.

He said if developing nations want to build sustainable economies, they must begin with skilled hands, insisting that TVET is the backbone of real development.