“The transformation underway in Ghana’s TVET sector is enabling the country to tap into the vast potential of its people and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous future. The remarkable surge in enrollment reflects the aspirations of Ghana’s next generation and underscores the power of a holistic approach to education,” said Mr. Sanjeev Mansotra, Chairman of Planet One Group.

The continued development of Ghana’s vocational education system is essential for the nation’s progress. According to the World Bank’s 9th Economic Update, Ghana’s working-age population is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. This demographic shift presents a major opportunity for economic expansion, provided the growing labour force can transition into productive employment. The report highlights the importance of structural reforms, private sector-led growth, and job creation, emphasising that investment in human capital and the digital economy will be key to Ghana’s resilience and long-term prosperity.

The first phase of TVET transformation began in 2019, when Planet One partnered with the government to overhaul vocational education. This initiative modernised 38 National Vocational Training Institutions, established two new foundry and machining centres, and upgraded the Opportunities Industrialisation Centre in Accra. Enhanced infrastructure, including hostels, classrooms, ICT labs, workshops, and industrial-grade equipment, has expanded capacity and made TVET accessible to students from both urban and rural communities.

Nearly 700 teachers and trainers have received up-to-date training, while new curricula have been introduced to align with Ghana’s industrial growth needs across 28 trades, including sectors vital to the country’s economic development. As a result, enrollment at TVET institutions has risen dramatically from 25,091 students in 2020 to 73,434 in 2024. Where vocational education was once viewed as a less attractive alternative to university, the initiative has removed barriers to access and created an aspirational environment for young people, including women who were previously underrepresented. Today, TVET is recognised as a gateway to opportunity, equipping students with practical skills and digital literacy for employment and entrepreneurship in key industries.

Phase two of the initiative, now underway, will further expand and modernise vocational training at the polytechnic level, introducing advanced workshops and laboratories to meet the demands of Ghana’s evolving economy.

The ISS African Futures study projects that, with continued investment in economic diversification, Ghana’s economy could grow at an average rate of 9% from 2025 to 2043, raising GDP per capita and lifting millions out of poverty. Transforming the TVET sector is central to this vision, providing the skilled workforce needed for industrialisation, value addition, and sustainable growth.

“As new graduates step into key industries, the positive impact of the government’s efforts will resonate throughout the Ghanaian economy, advancing national goals for industrialisation and inclusive growth. The ongoing transformation of Ghana’s vocational education system is opening doors for the next generation and laying the groundwork for sustained prosperity,” concluded Mr. Sanjeev Mansotra.