Over 1,000 participants have arrived in Ghana for the Africa Skills Week 2024, a five-day international event that seeks to empower youth with relevant skills.
The conference, scheduled from October 14-18, 2024, is a testament to Ghana’s growing leadership in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across the continent, aims to raise awareness about the significance of skills development in enhancing employability, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience in Africa.
Mr. John Tuwei, Director of TVET in Kenya, stressed that TVET ensures skilled workers for the growth sector economy. He urged African countries to adopt TVET, tailoring training to industry requirements.
He championed Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as crucial for Africa’s economic growth.
Mr Tuwei, urged Africa leaders to take advantage of youngest population. Saying the age range of 15-39 is considered the most critical, as this group is not only employable but also eager to acquire technical skills.
For his part, Mr. Arko Dometey, Principal of Accra Technical Training Center, highlighted Africa Skills Week’s role in showcasing global best practices. He emphasizes the importance of industry collaboration with Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools.
Mr Arko appealed to industries to support TVET schools, fostering collaboration and job readiness and also call on industries to come together to support TVET institutions, as they train students who will eventually join the workforce.
This call to action is timely, considering the Ghanaian government’s efforts to revamp the TVET sector. The government has initiated various projects, including the Ghana TVET Voucher Project, to enhance the quality and relevance of TVET programs .
By fostering industry, TVET partnerships, Ghana can address the skills gap and promote sustainable economic growth. As Mr. Dometey noted, it’s essential for industries to see what students are doing and provide support to ensure TVET graduates meet labor market demands.
The participants embarked on a study tour to various technical institutions, including, Accra Technical Training Center, Tema Technical Institute, Koforidua Technical Institute, St. Paul’s Technical Institute Kukurantumi, Opportunity Industrialization Technical Institute Shiashie, as part of day-one activities.
Report by Bernard K Dadzie; Greater Accra Region
