President John Dramani Mahama has pledged GHS 10 million to each of Ghana's ten public technical universities. This significant allocation, earmarked for the 2027 budget, aims to expand infrastructure, invest in equipment, and upgrade laboratories.
This financial commitment directly supports the government's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education policy. The President urged these institutions to align their programs with national industrial needs. This includes a focus on practical skills and collaboration with industries to tackle youth unemployment.
This initiative fits into Ghana's broader economic strategy to transition towards a knowledge-based economy. Data indicates a persistent challenge of youth unemployment, which the government aims to address through technical and vocational training. The move also builds on past investments, such as the provision of state-of-the-art equipment to Takoradi and Kumasi technical universities.
President Mahama made this announcement at the 4th Biennial Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Takoradi. He emphasised that technical universities must become the engine of Ghana's knowledge economy. He also suggested adopting a hands-on, competence-based technical and vocational training model, similar to the German approach.
The President's plan includes establishing two new technical universities. One will be in Jasikan, Oti Region, and another in Techiman, Bono East Region. A new University of Science and Technology will also be established in the Savannah Region. This expansion aims to boost access to higher education, especially in northern Ghana.
The government will also create a new TVET Fund to further support science-based education nationwide. This fund will help create a strong link between science and industry. It will encourage using industrial resources for innovation and technological growth. These investments underscore a strategic push to produce job creators instead of just job seekers.
Previously, Ghana invested $5 million in state-of-the-art equipment for engineering training at Takoradi and Kumasi campuses. Each institution received six labs, covering fields like electronics, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy. These past investments highlight a consistent focus on enhancing technical education capabilities.
The implications of this announcement are far-reaching for Ghana's education sector and job market. The increased funding and new institutions could significantly improve the quality of technical education. Decision-makers will closely monitor how these funds are disbursed and their impact on graduate employability. This strategic move could reshape Ghana's workforce development over the coming decade.