Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that President John Mahama and Cabinet have given approval in principle for the establishment of a dedicated Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Fund to strengthen skills development across the country.

Speaking at the Government's Accountability Series on Monday, July 20, the Minister said the fund is expected to become operational in January 2027 after the government completes work on its funding arrangements.

"I'm happy to note that President Mahama and his Cabinet have given in-principle approval for a TVET Fund to be established," he said.

"So, from January 2027, Ghana will have a dedicated TVET Fund."

The Minister disclosed that President Mahama has tasked the Ministers for Finance, Education, and Energy to develop a sustainable funding model for the initiative.

"The President has tasked three ministers, the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Education, and the Minister for Energy, to work out the modalities of how it will be funded," he said.

"We are in discussion, and we will share with the public what it is that we are able to do."

Mr Iddrisu said the fund would help improve practical skills training by financing the construction of workshops and providing modern equipment for technical institutions.

He said that Ghana's TVET system currently places too much emphasis on classroom teaching instead of practical learning.

"We want to emphasise more on training and work-based learning and depart from the current system where you still do 90 per cent theory and 10 per cent practical," he said.

"We intend that when we establish the TVET Fund, it will support you to build more workshops and equip them adequately."

The Minister added that work is already underway to establish TVET Centres of Excellence in Salaga and Kumasi to promote innovation and expose students to real workplace environments.

"I'm aware that work is ongoing for a TVET Centre of Excellence in Salaga and in Kumasi to promote innovation and stimulate a real work environment," he said.

Mr Iddrisu also announced plans to expand access to secondary education through the construction of more community day senior high schools.

He said despite the significant increase in enrolment under the Free Senior High School policy, many Members of Parliament continue to request the conversion of day schools into boarding schools.

"It is the view of President Mahama that we should encourage the establishment of community day-care schools. In the category of what is in Kwabenya. So we'll build one of those in Nima and one in Kasoa as part of the STAR-J project," he said.

He disclosed that new community day schools are planned for Nkwanta, Amasaman, and Kasoa under the government's STAR-J project.

The Minister further revealed that the Volta Region will benefit from a new special needs education facility under the same project to support learners with disabilities.

"I'm also happy to note that under the STAR-J project, the Volta Region will benefit from a new special needs education facility to support learners with disability in that area," he said.

"The second location for the second special needs school is now being debated with data between Kintampo and another town in the Upper East Region," he added.