Accra, Ghana – The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has said that Technical Universities are fundamental to Ghana’s industrialization agenda because of their unique focus on Competency-Based Training (CBT), industry-related education, and entrepreneurial development. Speaking during a meeting with the Vice Chancellors of Technical Universities of Ghana (VCTU-G) on Thursday, February 6, 2025, in Accra, he assured the leadership of Technical Universities of the government’s commitment to addressing their challenges and enhancing their capacity to drive national development.
“Technical Universities are fundamental to industrial transformation. Your mandate of equipping students with hands-on, practical skills is directly linked to the needs of industry. If Ghana is to succeed in its industrialization agenda, we must ensure that Technical Universities have the resources and support needed to function effectively,” the Minister stated.
The VCTU-G delegation was led by the Chairman, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, Vice-Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University. The meeting was attended by several Vice Chancellors, including Sir Prof. Elias N. K. Sowley from Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, Prof. Kwadwo Adinkra-Appiah from Sunyani Technical University, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi from Accra Technical University, Prof. Gabriel Dwomoh from Kumasi Technical University, Prof. John Owusu from Koforidua Technical University, and Prof. Saaed Ibn Bashiru from Tamale Technical University.
Also present at the meeting were Mr. Hamid Kanyiti Salifu, Personal Assistant to the Minister, Ms. Matilda Azuima Esq., Head of Legal Affairs at the Ministry, and Mr. Abubakar Shurabil from the Office of the Minister.
Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun outlined the remarkable strides Technical Universities have made in advancing technical and vocational education since their conversion from polytechnics.
“Technical Universities have made progress, firmly establishing ourselves as key institutions for practical, industry-focused training. However, to fully achieve our mandate, we need improved infrastructure, strategic funding, and better policy alignment. While many of our institutions have built strong industry partnerships, government support is essential to expanding these collaborations and ensuring that Technical Universities operate at the highest standards,” he stated.
Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Ghana’s industrial transformation is inextricably linked to the strength of its technical education system. “The success of every industrialized nation is anchored on the strength of its technical education system. If we truly want to transform Ghana’s economy, we must prioritize Technical Universities and equip them to deliver world-class technical and entrepreneurial training,” he said.
In response, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu reiterated the government’s commitment to positioning Technical Universities as the backbone of Ghana’s industrialization process. “I do recognize that the transition process has had challenges, but this government is committed to making it a success. We cannot talk about industrialization without talking about Technical Universities,” he emphasized.
Ghana’s commitment to advancing technical education underwent a fundamental transformation in 2016 with the enactment of the Technical Universities Act, 2016 (Act 922), which eventually facilitated the conversion of ten polytechnics into Technical Universities. This transition was strategically designed to elevate the quality of technical education by strengthening academic and practical training in engineering, science and technology-based disciplines, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and applied arts. The reform aimed to bridge the gap between technical education and industry demands, fostering a more skilled workforce aligned with national development priorities.
Source: VCTU-G Secretariat: [email protected] +233-249-740-393