Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta says, government will ensure that jobs and skills projects are championed to support both apprenticeship and competency based training development.
Presenting the budget for the first quarter of 2021 to Parliament on Wednesday, October 28, the Finance Minister noted that, lumped in the GH¢27.4 billion request is this initiative which will see to the development of skills in over a hundred trade areas.
“In furtherance of Government’s TVET agenda, next year will witness the start of the JOBS and SKILLS project to support apprenticeships and competency based training curriculum development in over 100 trade areas and entrepreneurship”.
“Also, we will see the beginning of construction of our flagship State of the Art TVET centers (two per region), fully equipped with modern training facilities in 33 trades/professions across 11 economic sectors”.
The requested fund will also carry on the services of government until the expiration of three months from the beginning of the 2021 Financial Year.
The total amount according to him, will cover matters pertaining to government operations, such as “Compensation of Employees, ex gratia awards, Interest and Amortization payments, transfers to Statutory Funds, critical programmes and Goods and Services, and Capex allocations of MDAs”.
Touching on affordable housing, Mr. Ofori-Atta noted that there will be significant investment in infrastructure, especially affordable housing.
These interventions, according to him, will create more jobs and enhance artisanal skills.
“A few days ago, my colleague Hon. Atta Akyea and I joined HE President Akufo-Addo to commission 204 new houses at Tema Community 22. These houses were largely constructed and supervised by local contractors and consultants under the National Mortgage and Housing Fund Scheme (NMHFS).
“This project was completed in nine-months, amidst COVID-19 pandemic, and created over 1,500 jobs. We will replicate this housing model across the country and alongside the agenda 111 district hospitals programme”.
Speaking on the floor of parliament, he further assured the House that the incumbent government will exploit opportunities within AfCFTA to make Ghana a regional hub.
“We will recover, we will revitalize, and we will transform the economy. We shall pivot off the AFCFTA headquarters in Accra for Ghana to become a dynamic regional hub. We have planted the seeds for a fast-paced and more inclusive recovery. Recognizing the role of capital and credit, we are certain that the cleaned-up and revitalized financial sector will support our recovery efforts and sustain growth”.
He further revealed that, government “took the necessary and bold steps to stabilize the economy, ensure food security, protect businesses and worker incomes, strengthen the health system, attract private investments, and support Ghanaian businesses”.
As such, they will preserve the gains and continue to protect lives and livelihoods from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The collective successes we have achieved so far demonstrate our dedication and commitment towards a transformed Ghana and its people, beyond aid”.
