FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
UNICEF AND GHANA TVET SERVICE UNVEIL LANDMARK STUDY TO BRIDGE SKILLS GAP IN GHANA’S LABOUR MARKET.
Kumasi- Ghana, October 2, 2025- UNICEF Ghana and the Ghana TVET Service have released a landmark study that exposes critical gaps between the skills taught in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and the competencies demanded by Ghana’s fast-changing economy. Conducted in the Ashanti Region between 2024 and 2025, the research highlights the urgent reforms needed to equip young people with market-ready skills that meet industry demands and fuel sustainable national growth.
The findings, presented on August 28, 2025, at Lancaster Kumasi City, brought together government officials, development partners, industry leaders, academia, and civil society. Among the dignitaries were Hon. Sebastian Deh, Chair of the Ghana TVET Service Governing Council; Mr. Abdul Fatah Maigah Mahama, Deputy Director-General (Management Services) of the Ghana TVET Service; and Mr. Osama Makkawi, UNICEF Country Representative. The study revealed that only 24% of institutions surveyed in the Ashanti Region currently deliver Competency-Based Training (CBT) exclusively, despite its proven effectiveness in preparing learners for employment. High implementation costs, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified facilitators remain persistent barriers. Even more striking, just one out of 57 institutions surveyed offers agriculture-related training, despite agriculture being a major employer in the region.
“These findings confirm that while progress has been made, critical gaps persist,” noted Mr. Abdul Fatah Maigah Mahama. “With youth unemployment at 21.7% and over 380,000 new job seekers entering the market each year, evidence like this is indispensable for reforming curricula, targeting investments, and expanding opportunities.” Co-presenting the findings, 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.” UNICEF Country Representative, Mr. Osama Makkawi, underscored the urgency: “In today’s economy, ICT skills are not optional, they are essential. This study shows why embedding digital literacy across all training pathways is both urgent and non-negotiable.”
The call for reform resonated strongly among participants. Hon. Sebastian Deh stressed the importance of targeted, region-specific interventions, while Chief Director at the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Adakurugu Hamidu, affirmed the findings as pivotal for shaping national policy to close labour market gaps and combat unemployment. The Ghana TVET Service reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the education-industry divide and announced that, with UNICEF’s support, similar research will be extended to the Northern and Western Regions. Recommendations from the study will be shared with policymakers and stakeholders to inform reforms, strengthen partnerships, and ensure Ghana’s TVET system produces skills that fuel both livelihoods and national competitiveness.
Speaking on behalf of the Ashanti Traditional Council, Baworo Hemaa captured the essence of the gathering: “TVET is not just about equipping hands, it is about shaping lives and transforming communities.”
As Ghana positions itself to unlock the potential of its youthful population, the Ghana TVET Service and UNICEF call on policymakers, private sector leaders, and civil society to work hand in hand to close the skills gap and create opportunities for the next generation. Together, we can build a future where every learner is equipped not only to find decent work, but to drive innovation, growth, and sustainable development.
Full report has been published at www.gtvets.gov.gh.
ABOUT GHANA TVET SERVICE
Established by the Pre-Tertiary Education Act 2020 (Act 1049), the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service is a corporate body responsible for managing, overseeing, and implementing national policies and programmes related to pre-tertiary and vocational education and training.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Corporate Affairs Unit
Phone: +233 (53 110 05710)
Email: corporateaffairs@gtvets.gov.gh
