The Education Minister and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu has disclosed that government is committed to strengthening technical education infrastructure across the country. He explained during parliamentary proceedings that the Akatakyi campus of Takoradi Technical University is a national skills development agenda initiated under the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training in 2014.
The Education Minister stated that the project received financing support from the African Development Bank at a cost of six million dollars. He added that Amansa Contractors executed the construction works under the arrangement.
Additionally, Honourable Iddrisu outlined several facilities have been developed at the campus to support practical learning. The Tamale South MP indicated that the infrastructure includes lecture theatres, workshops, an ICT laboratory, a library and residential flats for lecturers.
“Currently, the Takoradi Technical University transports students from the main campus to the Akatakyi campus for practical work. The university has developed a five year strategic plan to fully utilise the campus to its full capacity.”
Hon Haruna Iddrisu
The Tamale South MP stressed that technical education is central to Ghana’s industrial and economic ambitions. He observed that investments in practical training institutions continue to prepare young people for employment opportunities in key sectors of the economy.
The Education Minister also accentuated the importance of improving access to technical education infrastructure nationwide. He noted that expanding specialised facilities would strengthen practical learning and skills acquisition among students.
Meanwhile, Honourable Iddrisu assured Parliament that management of Takoradi Technical University is focused on maximising the potential of the Akatakyi campus. He explained that the institution continues to explore long term strategies aimed at enhancing training delivery and academic development.
TVET Funding Push Targets Youth Employment and Skills Growth
The Education Minister and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu announced plans to establish Ghana’s first Technical and Vocational Education and Training Fund. He told Parliament that the proposed intervention seeks to strengthen technical institutions and improve employment opportunities for the youth.
The Education Minister disclosed that government intends to allocate ten percent of the GETFund to support technical education and vocational skills training. He explained that the proposal currently remains before Cabinet for consideration.
Moreover, Honourable Iddrisu revealed that President John Mahama recently pledged financial support for technical universities during the tenth anniversary celebration of their conversion from polytechnics.
“In the 2027 GETFund allocation, government will allocate … a total of 100 million, to support all the technical universities as seed money.”
Hon Haruna Iddrisu
The Tamale South MP observed that several technical university projects across the country remain incomplete due to funding challenges. Consequently, he expressed confidence that the proposed allocation would help institutions complete stalled infrastructure developments.
Moreover, the Education Minister revealed that he continues to advocate for a dedicated portion of Ghana’s oil revenue to support technical and vocational education. He indicated that discussions on the proposal have received favourable attention at the highest level of government.
He argued that sustained investment in technical education could significantly transform the country’s skills training ecosystem. The Tamale South MP explained that stronger support for vocational institutions would improve opportunities for young people seeking employable skills.
“It has the solution to addressing Ghana’s unemployment needs, particularly the unemployment of the youth who are looking for basic skills and training to improve their livelihood.”
Hon Haruna Iddrisu
The Education Minister further indicated that government remains determined to reposition technical and vocational education as a major pillar of economic transformation. He emphasised that investment in skills development would strengthen productivity and enhance opportunities for national growth.
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