President John Dramani Mahama has praised Ghana’s Technical Universities for their growing role in advancing inclusive education, describing them as key partners in government’s efforts to expand skills development opportunities for persons with disabilities.
He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 4th Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities of Ghana (ARCTUG 2026), hosted by Takoradi Technical University at the Nicholas Aidoo-Taylor Auditorium.
President Mahama emphasized that Technical Universities are increasingly central to government’s inclusive education agenda, particularly in providing practical training in Engineering, TVET, Applied Science, and Technology for young people living with disabilities.
“And I am happy that the Technical Universities in Ghana are already partnering with my government to train youths living with disabilities to acquire diverse skills in Engineering, TVET, Applied Science, and Technology,” he stated.
He explained that this collaboration reflects a broader national commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are not excluded from Ghana’s education and skills development system.
According to him, inclusive education is not only a matter of equity but also a strategic investment in national productivity, innovation, and economic transformation.
The President urged Technical Universities to deepen their focus on applied research, innovation, and entrepreneurship as part of efforts to drive Ghana’s industrial development agenda.
He further stressed the importance of translating research outputs into practical solutions that can be commercialized and scaled to benefit society.
President Mahama also reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening tertiary education through investments in infrastructure, laboratories, and research systems to improve practical training across Technical Universities.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Advancing TVET for Innovation, Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development,” he called for stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government to accelerate national development.
The conference features presentations on inclusivity and gender responsiveness in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), with stakeholders expected to highlight on access for women, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to ensure equitable participation in technical education and innovation ecosystems.
The President also announced a GH¢100 million allocation for Ghana’s ten Technical Universities under the 2027 budget to support Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and skills development.
The conference brought together policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and development partners to deliberate on innovation, inclusive education, gender responsiveness, and the future of technical training in Ghana.
The Vice Chancellors present at the conference included Prof. Ben Quarshie Honyenuga, Vice Chancellor of Ho Technical University; Prof. Kwaku A. Ayim Boakye, Vice Chancellor of Cape Coast Technical University; Prof. Gabriel Dwomoh, Vice Chancellor of Kumasi Technical University; Prof. John Owusu, Vice Chancellor of Koforidua Technical University; Prof. Bashiru Imoro Saeed, Vice Chancellor of Tamale Technical University; Prof. Hamidatu S. Darimani, Vice Chancellor of Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University; Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, Vice Chancellor of Accra Technical University; and Mr. Joseph Mensah Oti-Asirifi, Executive Secretary of the VCTU-G.
