Technical universities in Ghana are urgently requesting dedicated national funding. The goal is to modernize their facilities and improve the skills of graduates for industry. This call comes amid persistent infrastructure and funding shortfalls.
Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, Chairman of the Vice Chancellors of Technical Universities Ghana (VCTU-G), highlighted these issues. He spoke at the 4th Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities. The conference took place at Takoradi Technical University. Professor Adinkrah-Appiah noted that the transition from polytechnics to technical universities was exciting. However, the necessary investments did not follow. Critical upgrades like modern labs and equipment are still missing. Digital infrastructure also needs improvement.
These universities are vital for Ghana's economic future. They train the skilled workforce needed for industrial growth. Investing in them helps reduce youth unemployment, currently a significant challenge. The proposed Technical Universities Transformation Support Fund aims to bridge these gaps. Increased graduate employability strengthens the private sector. It also promotes self-employment and supports overall industrial expansion. These institutions play a key role in Ghana's national development agenda.
During the conference, former President John Mahama emphasized applied research. He announced a GHS 10 million fund for technical universities. He also pledged support for doctoral training. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu proposed allocating 10 percent of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to technical universities. He also suggested dedicating 2.5 percent of Ghana's oil revenue to technical education. These proposals aim for sustainable financing.
The push for increased funding shows the critical role of technical education. It is essential for Ghana to build a skilled workforce. This workforce can drive industrial growth and compete globally. Policymakers and industry leaders now face pressure to act. They must ensure technical universities receive the resources needed. This will unlock Ghana's industrial potential and create more jobs for young people.