The Ashanti Regional Chapter of the Conference of Principals of Technical Institutions (COPTI) has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through innovation, digitalisation and stronger collaboration with industry.
The commitment was made during the chapter’s Mid-Year Conference held at Bosomtwe under the theme, “Reflecting on the Progress, Overcoming Challenges, and Shaping the Future of Industry-Driven TVET.”
The conference brought together principals of technical institutions, education stakeholders and policymakers to assess the progress of TVET in the Ashanti Region while identifying practical strategies to improve technical education and make graduates more competitive in the modern labour market.
Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the conference, Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service (GTVETS), Engr. Richard Addo-Gyamfi, said the future of TVET depends largely on embracing technology and preparing students for the evolving world of work.
According to him, digital transformation of teaching and learning remains one of the top priorities for the sector.
He explained that integrating digital tools into classroom instruction would improve the quality of teaching, enhance students’ practical competencies and prepare them for technology-driven industries.
Engr. Addo-Gyamfi also stressed the need to reposition entrepreneurship education within TVET institutions so that graduates leave school with the confidence and skills to establish their own businesses rather than depending solely on formal employment.
He observed that producing self-reliant graduates would not only reduce unemployment but also contribute significantly to national economic growth.
The Regional Director further underscored the importance of strengthening Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and forging stronger collaborations between technical institutions and industries.
He noted that such partnerships would provide students with practical industrial exposure through internships and attachments, enabling them to acquire real workplace experience before graduation.
Touching on the expansion of TVET education in the region, Engr. Addo-Gyamfi disclosed that government has added two new TVET institutions to the existing 38 schools in the Ashanti Region.
He described the development as a major boost to technical education, saying it is already expanding access to skills training and creating more opportunities for young people to acquire employable skills.
Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Chapter of COPTI and Principal of the Catholic Technical Institute at Buokrom, Rev. Father Isaac Manu, described the conference as an important platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among heads of technical institutions.
He said the annual gathering enables principals to exchange ideas, discuss best practices and collectively develop solutions to challenges confronting the sector.
According to him, discussions focused on improving student enrolment, strengthening institutional management and accelerating infrastructural development to support government’s vision of making TVET a preferred educational pathway.
Despite the progress made, Rev. Fr. Manu expressed concern over the persistent challenges facing technical institutions.
He identified inadequate infrastructure across many Commission for TVET (CTVET) institutions, shortage of teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as delays in the release of government funds as major obstacles affecting effective teaching and administration.
He appealed to government and relevant stakeholders to address these challenges to enable technical institutions to deliver quality skills training.
Also contributing to the discussions, Principal of St. Michael’s Technical Institute at Pramso, Madam Dorcas Ekuoku Ampong, encouraged parents to confidently enrol their children in TVET institutions.
She noted that technical education provides practical skills that guarantee employability and entrepreneurship, making it one of the best educational pathways for young people.
Madam Ampong also advised students to remain disciplined, stay focused on their academic and practical training and avoid social vices and hooliganism that could jeopardise their future.
She further challenged graduates of TVET institutions to apply the knowledge and practical skills acquired in school by establishing businesses, creating jobs and contributing meaningfully to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
Participants at the conference expressed optimism that the recommendations and resolutions reached would further strengthen the TVET sector and position it as a key driver of industrialisation, innovation and sustainable economic growth in Ghana.
