The TVET Symposium 2026 has brought together key stakeholders from government, industry and development partners to exchange ideas and explore practical approaches to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ghana, with the Director-General of the Commission for TVET (CTVET), Mr Zakaria Sulemana, using his welcome address to call for deeper collaboration and industry-responsive skills development across the sector.
In setting the tone for the Symposium, Sulemana emphasised the importance of collaboration, innovation and responsiveness to industry needs in building a TVET system capable of equipping young Ghanaians for an evolving world of work.
According to Sulemana, CTVET has committed to engaging stakeholders through structured platforms designed to promote reflection and dialogue on pressing issues within skills development.
He said this year’s annual symposium would specifically focus on the National TVET Qualifications Framework, progression pathways for learners, and the continued relevance of the Higher National Diploma within the broader qualifications landscape.
Third Edition of Ghana TVET Report Launched
A central highlight of the Symposium was the launch of the third edition of the Ghana TVET Report, which Sulemana described as another important platform for data sharing within the sector.
He explained that under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act 2020 (Act 1023), CTVET is legally mandated to issue annual reports on the state of TVET and skills development in the country.
He noted that since 2021, two editions of the report have already been successfully produced and published, with the third edition launched later the same day with technical support from Ghana’s partner, BIBB Germany.
“These reports serve as a critical centralised data source for policy and planning, supporting the Commission’s drive towards developing a robust TVET management information system.”
Mr Zakaria Sulemana
Reports Track Progress On Key Sector Indicators
Sulemana explained that the Ghana TVET Report plays a central role in promoting coordination across the sector by tracking progress on several key implementation indicators, including competency-based training, workplace experience training, recognition of prior learning, dual TVET programmes, and assessment and certification systems.
He further noted that the reports have consistently highlighted critical gaps requiring targeted intervention, particularly around gender equity, broader inclusion within TVET, and support structures for learners with special needs, positioning the report as both a diagnostic and planning tool for the sector.
Alignment With National Research Agenda
Addressing the Minister directly during his remarks, Sulemana said the third edition of the Ghana TVET Report aligns closely with the national research agenda, with a specific focus on expanding access to TVET, improving the quality of training delivered, and enhancing the overall relevance of skills training and national apprenticeship programmes.
“In achieving these targets, we call for stronger collaboration among training institutions, industry actors and policymakers, alongside increased investment and sustained commitment to building a TVET system that is responsive, inclusive and globally competitive,”
Mr Zakaria Sulemana
Sulemana also issued a direct appeal to industry players, calling on sector skills bodies to provide workplace experience learning opportunities for TVET learners. This appeal reflects a broader recognition within the sector that classroom-based training alone is insufficient to prepare learners for the practical demands of the labour market, making industry partnership essential to producing job-ready graduates.
Appreciation Extended To Development Partners
Before concluding his address, Sulemana expressed sincere appreciation to CTVET’s various development partners who have continued to support the sector’s growth.
He specifically acknowledged the contributions of GIZ, KfW, WUSC, UNESCO, UNICEF, the Italian Development Cooperation, and the World Bank, alongside particular recognition for BIBB Germany’s technical support in producing the Ghana TVET Report.
He described the report’s production process as having become almost institutionalised within CTVET’s operations, expressing the Commission’s commitment to sustaining this achievement going forward.
Platform For Continued Sector Dialogue
The 2026 TVET Symposium adds to an ongoing series of engagements aimed at strengthening Ghana’s technical and vocational education landscape, with stakeholders continuing to explore how the sector can be made more responsive to the demands of a changing economy.
With the third edition of the Ghana TVET Report now launched, attention is likely to turn toward how its findings, particularly around gender equity, inclusion and workplace training gaps, are translated into concrete policy actions and stronger industry partnerships in the months ahead.
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