Former Ghana TVET Director-General Realigns And Standardizes TVET Agencies
Former Ghana TVET Director-General Realigns And Standardizes TVET Agencies. In a significant stride towards improving technical and vocational education in Ghana, all Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agencies have been consolidated under one umbrella. This move, spearheaded by Mawusi Nudekor, the former Director-General of the Ghana TVET Service, is seen as a critical step in addressing the long-standing fragmentation and standardization challenges within the sector.
Addressing Fragmentation In The TVET Sector
For years, Ghana’s TVET sector was plagued by fragmentation, with different ministries overseeing various TVET agencies. This lack of coordination led to inconsistencies in standards and certifications, making it difficult to create a unified and efficient system. The Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations managed institutions such as the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI), Opportunities Industrialisation Centre (OIC), and Integrated Community Centres for Employable Skills (ICCES). At the same time, the Ministry of Gender handled social welfare schools, while the Ministry of Local Government oversaw community development schools. Other ministries, including those responsible for Food and Agriculture, Youth, and Transport, also managed their respective TVET institutions.
Realignment Under A Unified Structure
To address these challenges, all TVET agencies have been realigned and brought under the Ghana TVET Service, which now operates under the Ministry of Education. This restructuring ensures that all institutions follow a standardized curriculum, thereby creating a cohesive system across the country. Speaking on the EduTalk Show with JoyNews’ Emefa Apawu, Madam Nudekor highlighted the benefits of this move: “Initially, there was fragmentation. Standardisation was a huge problem because there were different TVET agencies operating under different ministries. There were different certifications. What we’re doing differently in this country now is that all these agencies have been realigned.”
Implementation Of A Standardized Curriculum
With the consolidation under the Ministry of Education, Ghana’s TVET institutions now adhere to a common curriculum, ensuring consistency in the quality of education provided. This change not only addresses the standardization issues but also streamlines the certification process, making it easier for students to transition between different levels of education. Madam Nudekor emphasized that this realignment marks a significant improvement in the way TVET is administered in Ghana.
Expansion Of TVET Institutions
The realignment has also paved the way for the expansion of TVET institutions across the country. According to Madam Nudekor, there are currently about 262 TVET schools in Ghana, with more institutions being built to accommodate the growing demand for vocational education. This expansion is expected to enhance access to technical and vocational training, particularly in rural areas, and provide more opportunities for students to acquire valuable skills.
Enhancing Educational Pathways For TVET Students
One of the critical issues with the previous system was the lack of a clear pathway for TVET students to advance their education at the tertiary level. The new TVET qualification framework addresses this challenge by providing students with the opportunity to progress vertically and further their education at universities. This development is a significant boost for vocational and technical students, as it opens up new avenues for career advancement and lifelong learning.
The Role Of TVET In Ghana Economic Development
Madam Nudekor strongly believes that TVET is a game-changer for Ghana’s economic prosperity. She emphasized the need for a shift towards technical and vocational skills development, particularly in adding value to the country’s abundant natural resources. “We have timber, gold, bauxite, oil, shea butter, cocoa. We have all these things, yet we are not developed. It is because TVET was not paid attention to. It’s adding value to these raw materials that is going to create the jobs for the critical masses, especially,” she said.
Cottage Industrialization And Entrepreneurship
TVET’s focus on cottage industrialization is crucial for Ghana’s development, as it equips students with the skills needed to start their own businesses, either during or after their schooling. This entrepreneurial approach is expected to create jobs and drive economic growth, particularly in rural areas where traditional employment opportunities may be limited.
Conclusion
The realignment and standardization of TVET agencies in Ghana mark a new era for technical and vocational education in the country. Under the unified Ghana TVET Service, the sector is poised to provide more consistent, accessible, and high-quality education to students nationwide. With the expansion of institutions and the introduction of a standardized curriculum, Ghana is well on its way to leveraging TVET as a key driver of economic development and social progress.
