The Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) has hinted at how expensive it is for government to absorb all the fees of students in the quest for free and quality education.

Madam Gifty Twum-Ampofo explained that the equipment and materials used for teaching and learning in the various technical and vocational schools cost the government a fortune.

“TVET education has been neglected not because the government does not know it’s an essential sector to invest in but it’s very expensive.

"In making sure that we get the quality of training aimed at, all the modern types of equipment used in practical works have their software in 3-D simulation form, and running such software is expensive,” she stated.

Speaking with Emefa Akosua Adeti on Joy Prime on Thursday, the Deputy Minister added that the cost of training a teacher on these modern types of equipment and software comes with its own cost.

However, the government is committed to improving TVET education because it’s the backbone of developing a country.

She said this is in line with President Akufo-Addo’s promise to develop TVET education.

The President in his speech during the 2022 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Wednesday, said: “Our children will continue to be educated and be equipped to run a modern and digitalized economy.

"The Free SHS and Free TVET are the best vehicles we have devised to take us to the realization of our goal of an educated and skilled workforce. The computerized school placement is currently ongoing and the latest batch of JHS students will soon embark on their Free SHS and Free TVET education.

She further added that, "The TVET institutions are being upgraded and equipped to enable them to train the increased numbers of children that we want to be attracted to that sector to meet the modern needs of our economy.

"This year, I will be commissioning some of the 34 refurbished National Vocational and Technical Institutes (NVTI) across the country. The refurbishment comprised the construction, rehabilitation, and equipping of laboratories, workshops, additional classrooms, hostels, and administrative offices.”

In response, the Deputy Education Minister stated that the TVET council is working to reduce costs in training and practical work through the use of modern technology.

This comes with training the teachers to make sure that they move along with technological advancement to get quality TVET education but in an affordable way.

“Practical sessions in various institutions have been re-structured well for the efficient use of consumable types of equipment. For instance, in building practical, students no more lay and remove blocks but a proper foundation is laid for the building so that a complete house will be built out of the learning process which can be used,” she noted.