Ghana is working to equip its youth for a fast-changing world, and few sectors carry as much potential as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Canada’s decision to invest over $30 million in Ghana’s TVET system over the past seven years is more than development aid; it’s a long-term commitment that could shape the skills and opportunities of Ghana’s workforce for years to come.
This investment builds on a broader partnership that has seen Canada provide more than $2.5 billion in development support to Ghana since independence. Beyond TVET, Canadian support spans health care, women’s empowerment, governance, and economic initiatives. Now, as Ghana pushes for faster industrialisation and industries demand skilled workers, TVET has emerged as a key focus area, preparing young people for careers in manufacturing, construction, ICT, agriculture, and creative technologies.
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This support targets practical skills, employability, and local capacity building. By equipping young women and men for modern industries, the investment aligns with Ghana’s broader economic transformation goals. It also complements ongoing reforms in health and social sectors, such as helping four million people access reproductive services, improving adolescent nutrition, and supporting the implementation of the Affirmative Action Law to boost female leadership. Together, these measures create an environment where TVET can thrive.
Despite these efforts, Ghana’s TVET sector faces challenges. Enrolment reached a high of 44,000 students in 2022 but has since fallen to below 36,700 in 2025. Female participation remains around 25.9%, and teacher shortages, outdated equipment, and infrastructure gaps persist across the country’s 578 TVET institutions. Funding has increased by over 200% since 2018, yet social perception still limits TVET’s appeal as a first-choice career pathway.
The government is addressing these issues through modern TVET centres, free tuition initiatives, industry-aligned curricula, digital and AI skills integration, public-private partnerships, and improved certification systems. Canada’s investment supports technical assistance, teacher training, instructional materials, and partnerships with local industries. These measures aim to prepare youth for traditional trades and emerging sectors while creating a workforce aligned with market needs.
A stronger TVET system has economic and global significance. Ghana is Canada’s fifth-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, with $483 million in two-way trade and over $1.1 billion in Canadian mining assets. By producing skilled workers, the country can attract investment, reduce unemployment, and support industrialisation in sectors like mining, ICT, agri-processing, and renewable energy. It also positions Ghana as a model in West Africa for developing youth into globally competitive talent.
Challenges remain, including declining enrolment, gender gaps, outdated equipment, and lingering societal stigma. Yet opportunities are emerging: expanding technical and digital skills, strengthening local manufacturing, increasing female participation, reducing youth unemployment, and building a workforce that drives innovation and growth. With continued investment and strategic reforms, Ghana’s TVET system could become a foundation for sustainable development, industrial growth, and long-term economic resilience.
