UNICEF Ghana and the Ghana TVET Service have released a major new study highlighting critical gaps between the skills being taught in technical and vocational schools and the demands of Ghana’s rapidly evolving job market.
The study, conducted in the Ashanti Region between 2024 and 2025, reveals that only 24 percent of surveyed institutions deliver Competency-Based Training (CBT), which is known to better prepare students for employment. Barriers such as high implementation costs, limited infrastructure, and a shortage of trained facilitators were identified as key challenges. Alarmingly, only one out of 57 institutions surveyed offered agriculture-related training, despite agriculture being a major source of employment in the region.
The findings were officially presented on August 28, 2025, at an event held at Lancaster Kumasi City. Attendees included government officials, education leaders, development partners, industry representatives, and civil society members.
“With youth unemployment at 21.7 percent and over 380,000 new job seekers entering the market annually, this evidence is essential for reforming curricula and expanding opportunities,” said Mr. Abdul Fatah Maigah Mahama, Deputy Director-General of Ghana TVET Service.
UNICEF’s Education Specialist, Dr. Tillmann Günther, described the study as “a powerful evidence base for decision-makers to future-proof Ghana’s TVET sector,” while UNICEF Country Representative Mr. Osama Makkawi emphasized the need for digital skills training. “ICT skills are not optional. This study shows why embedding digital literacy across all training pathways is urgent and non-negotiable,” he said.
Chair of the Ghana TVET Service Governing Council, Sebastian Deh, called for targeted, region-specific action, while Ministry of Labour Chief Director Mr. Adakurugu Hamidu described the findings as crucial for shaping national employment policy.
The Ghana TVET Service confirmed that similar studies will soon be conducted in the Northern and Western Regions with UNICEF’s support. Recommendations from the research will be shared with key stakeholders to guide reforms and ensure that Ghana’s training systems are aligned with job market needs.
Speaking on behalf of the Ashanti Traditional Council, Baworo Hemaa captured the broader impact of the initiative: “TVET is not just about equipping hands, it is about shaping lives and transforming communities.”
