Ghana’s fight against youth unemployment and poverty cannot be won without a bold and sustained investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

A Development Expert, Chris Addy-Nayo, made this known at a recent policy dialogue on vocational training, youth development and economic transformation at Tamale.

It was organized by the EU-supported Greengrowth Project and implemented by the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and the Presbyterian University of Ghana.

Mr Addy-Nayo highlighted the urgent need to reposition TVET as a central pillar of Ghana’s development strategy rather than a fallback option for those outside the traditional academic pathway.

“In today’s economy, skills are the new currency,” he noted, stressing that young people must be equipped with practical, market-relevant competencies to thrive in sectors such as green enterprise, digital innovation, and sustainable agriculture.

According to him, a well-structured TVET system has the potential to transform thousands of young people into job creators, reducing dependence on limited formal employment opportunities.

He added that such a transformation is critical not only for economic growth but also for social stability.

Mr Addy-Nayo further emphasised that TVET can play a powerful role in empowering women and rural youth by providing access to sustainable livelihoods and reducing inequality.

However, he cautioned that the full benefits of TVET can only be realised through strong political commitment, adequate funding, and closer collaboration between government, industry, and training institutions.

As Ghana looks to build a resilient and inclusive economy, Mr Addy-Nayo believes the time has come for policymakers to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action.

“TVET is not just about skills training; it is about creating opportunities, restoring dignity, and securing the future of our young people,” he concluded.