Construction has officially started on the first technical and vocational institute in the Wa West District’s eastern corridor. Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Puozuing broke ground for the facility at Ga on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. This project fulfills a promise made by President John Dramani Mahama during his 2020 campaign.
The new institute aims to make skills training more accessible, practical, and community-owned. It targets young people who seek self-employment or greater employability in the region’s job market. This development is crucial for an area where poverty has made it difficult for families to send children for education outside the district.
This initiative fits into Ghana's broader economic strategy of enhancing human capital and promoting industrial growth. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has been identified as a key driver for job creation and economic diversification. The government’s commitment to TVET is reflected in similar projects and policy reforms across the country. Data consistently shows a skills gap in various sectors, making TVET institutions vital for filling those gaps.
Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Puozuing stated that the project represents a “promise fulfilled by the NDC government.” He emphasized that the facility is designed to help young people become “self-employed, employable, and employed.” This commitment highlights the government’s focus on practical skills over solely academic qualifications.
Wa West MP Peter Lanchene Toobu, a retired police superintendent, expressed enthusiasm for the shift towards technical education. He noted plans to connect the school with international TVET institutions. Such partnerships could broaden students’ skill sets and their exposure to global best practices. This could enhance the employability of graduates significantly.
The Chief of Ga, Naa Tungbani Tibuorataa, welcomed the project but highlighted existing infrastructure challenges. These challenges include poor roads, inadequate classrooms, and a lack of teaching aids in other local schools. Addressing these broader infrastructural deficits will be crucial for the long-term success of the new TVET institute.
Consultants ANQS Consortium Limited provided details on the project’s scope. The new facility will include seven main buildings. These are a dormitory, an administration block, a home economics centre, and an 18-unit classroom block. It will also feature a workshop, teachers’ quarters, a dining hall, and a kitchen. Each building will have a different contractor, with ANQS overseeing the entire delivery process.
Wa West District Chief Executive Richard Wullo described the project as one of the largest coordinated infrastructure pushes in the district this year. This significant investment is expected to create temporary and permanent jobs during and after construction. It also signifies a move towards decentralizing educational opportunities, making them more accessible to rural populations.
The establishment of this TVET school aims to close a critical educational gap that has existed for years. Many families in the eastern corridor have been unable to afford sending their children for education outside the district. This new institution will provide local youth with a pathway to acquiring valuable skills. These skills will enable them to contribute directly to the local economy and improve their livelihoods. The project promises to retain skills and opportunities within the community.