Clement Abas Apaak calls for stronger Ghana-China TVET partnership

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has underscored the need for deepened collaboration between Ghana and China to advance technical skills training and technology transfer. Speaking at the China–Africa Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Conference held in Tianjin, China, Dr. Apaak highlighted the strategic importance of international partnerships in addressing youth unemployment and fostering industrial growth through improved vocational education.

During his address, the Deputy Minister showcased Ghana’s progress in reforming its TVET sector, specifically pointing to the success of the Ghana TVET Voucher Project. This initiative has already provided critical support to more than 37,000 apprentices, enabling them to gain formal recognition for their skills and improving their employability. Dr. Apaak emphasized that Ghana’s shift toward competency-based training is designed to ensure that the workforce remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Dr. Apaak further advocated for a tripartite model of cooperation involving governments, training institutions, and private industries. He argued that stronger industrial partnerships are essential to align vocational curricula with the practical needs of the job market. By integrating industry requirements into training programs, both nations can ensure that graduates possess the specific technical competencies required by employers, thereby closing the skills gap that often hinders economic development.

The call for enhanced cooperation comes as Ghana continues to prioritize TVET as a pillar of its national development strategy under the Mahama administration. By leveraging China’s advanced technological landscape and established vocational training frameworks, Ghana aims to accelerate its own technology transfer processes. Dr. Apaak’s participation in the Tianjin conference signals a commitment to securing the necessary international support to transform Ghana into a hub for technical excellence in the West African sub-region.