Haruna Iddrisu: TVET Fund to Launch in January 2027 as Cabinet Gives Green Light
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Fund, describing it as a major step towards equipping young Ghanaians with industry-relevant skills and addressing unemployment.
Speaking at the launch of Ecobank's Rising Leaders Programme on Thursday, July 2, Mr Iddrisu said the fund is expected to commence operations in January 2027, with the government currently finalising a sustainable financing mechanism.
He disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministers of Finance, Energy and Education to develop modalities that will ensure the long-term sustainability of the fund.
"I'm happy to note and announce that the Cabinet has given approval for Ghana to set up a TVET Fund beginning January 2027. The President has accordingly directed the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Energy, and the Minister of Education to work out modalities on this funding mechanism so that it becomes sustainable and people undertaking skills training can benefit from it," he said.
Mr Iddrisu said the initiative forms part of government's broader strategy to address the country's growing unemployment and underemployment by prioritising technical and vocational education.
"If Ghana is to succeed in addressing its growing unemployment and underemployment, we have to shift focus and invest more in technical and vocational education," he stressed.
The Education Minister expressed concern that many tertiary institutions are drifting away from their core mandate by placing greater emphasis on arts and humanities programmes at the expense of science, engineering and technology-related disciplines.
According to him, producing graduates with practical and technical competencies is essential if Ghana is to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
He noted that while academic qualifications remain important, they are no longer sufficient for success in the 21st century.
"The answer is becoming clearer every other day that for the 21st century, talent alone would not be enough. Academic qualification would not be enough. Technical knowledge would not be enough. To rise from potential to power, one would need a combination of knowledge, skills, values, discipline, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and above all, creativity," he said.
Mr Iddrisu also highlighted the increasing role of technology and artificial intelligence in transforming the workplace, urging young people to embrace innovation and continuously develop new skills to remain relevant.
He commended Ecobank for introducing the Rising Leaders Programme, describing it as a meaningful investment in Ghana's future workforce and an example of how the private sector can complement government's efforts in developing human capital.
According to him, government alone cannot prepare the next generation of leaders, making partnerships between industry and educational institutions critical to national development.
The Minister encouraged beneficiaries of the programme to take full advantage of the opportunity, reminding them that leadership is defined not by titles or positions but by service, responsibility, courage and the ability to create lasting impact in society.
He concluded by urging the participants to cultivate resilience, strengthen their communication and emotional intelligence, and challenge themselves to overcome obstacles as they prepare to become Ghana's next generation of leaders.
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