Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Outlines Comprehensive TVET Reforms as Ghana Pivots Toward AI and Vocational Entrepreneurship

The Government of Ghana has announced a major overhaul of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector to better align academic outcomes with the demands of a modernizing economy. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu revealed that the current reforms are centered on integrating digital skills, soft skills, and practical trade capabilities into the national curriculum. To support this transition, the government is making significant investments in infrastructure for Competency-Based Training (CBT), including the construction of two regional TVET Centres of Excellence in Salaga and Kumasi. These facilities are designed to foster innovation and provide environments that mimic real-world work settings, ensuring that graduates are ready for immediate entry into the labor market.

Central to the government’s strategy is the Workplace Experience Learning (WEL) initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and industry application. Minister Iddrisu confirmed that the Ministry has already collaborated with over 1,800 enterprises to facilitate practical training opportunities for students. This collaborative approach is intended to enhance the employability of TVET learners, particularly within the context of a 24-hour manufacturing economy. By prioritizing practical exposure and industry partnerships, the government seeks to reshape the public perception of vocational education as a high-value pathway for career success.

Parallel to these national policy shifts, private institutions and local leaders are emphasizing the need for future-ready skills, specifically in Artificial Intelligence (AI). At the 2026 Design and Technology Institute (DTI) Jobs & Opportunities Fair, DTI Founder Constance Swaniker urged the youth to embrace AI and automation, noting that while technology may displace millions of roles, it is projected to create 97 million new jobs globally by 2030. With Ghana’s youth unemployment rate standing at approximately 32.5% for those aged 15-24, stakeholders like the Commission for TVET (CTVET) are increasingly advocating for an entrepreneurial mindset and the adoption of AI-enabled tools to remain competitive in the global labor market.

On a grassroots level, these broader educational goals are being translated into direct support for local apprentices. In the Ketu North constituency, MP Eric Edem Agbana recently launched the Ketu North Skills and Apprenticeship Programme (KN-SAP), distributing vocational tools such as sewing machines and hairdryers to 525 beneficiaries. This initiative provides practical resources and financial support to help graduates of vocational training establish their own businesses. These combined efforts—ranging from high-level government reforms and technological advocacy to local equipment distribution—represent a multi-tiered approach to tackling unemployment and fostering a skilled, self-reliant workforce across Ghana.