The government is considering the creation of a dedicated Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Fund as part of broader efforts to build a skills-driven economy and reduce unemployment among young people.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced the proposal during a TVET symposium and the launch of the third edition of the Ghana TVET Report, where policymakers and education stakeholders gathered to discuss the future of technical and vocational education in Ghana.

According to the Minister, the proposed fund, currently before Cabinet, would allocate between 10 and 15 per cent of the GETFund to the TVET sector, while also dedicating a portion of Ghana’s annual oil revenue to skills development.

The move forms part of the government’s broader strategy to reposition technical and vocational education as a key driver of economic growth, industrialisation, and job creation.

Mr Iddrisu stressed that Ghana can no longer depend heavily on traditional academic pathways while industries continue to face shortages of technically skilled workers.

He said the country must focus on producing a workforce equipped with practical and industry-ready skills capable of supporting private sector growth in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

The proposed reforms are also expected to support young graduates financially to establish small businesses in technical fields, creating more opportunities for entrepreneurship and self-employment.

Discussions at the symposium also focused on the quality and relevance of training being offered in technical institutions and whether graduates are adequately prepared for the demands of the labour market.

Director-General of the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Zakari Sulemana, explained that the latest Ghana TVET Report is intended to guide policy decisions through evidence-based data.

Unlike previous editions, he noted that this year’s report places stronger emphasis on training quality and the transition of graduates, particularly Higher National Diploma holders, into employment.

The report also examines enrolment trends across formal and informal training institutions, while assessing the effectiveness of the National Qualifications Framework in aligning technical education with labour market realities.

Issues of inclusion also featured prominently, with attention given to opportunities available to women and persons with disabilities within the TVET system.

Stakeholders at the event argued that strengthening technical and vocational education could help bridge the long-standing gap between education and employment while positioning Ghana to build a more competitive and skilled workforce for the future.