Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Ghana: A Tool for Skill Acquisition and Industrial Development

Abstract

Basically, the purpose of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is to equip people with the technical and professional skills needed for socio-economic and industrial development of the country. The emphasis is on training people for self-employment. This paper highlights the importance of (TVET), its policy framework to promote science and technology and its curriculum design and delivery to meet the labour market. Literature reviewed indicated that the Government of Ghana recognizes the strengthening of TVET as a means of developing the technical and skilled human resource base which the nation needs urgently as a key strategy for achieving its industrial development. It was noted that, to achieve this objective, requires a policy framework and direction as well as a radical shift in the design and delivery of the TVET curriculum at all levels. The paper suggested that Competency Based Training (CBT) should be included in the TVET curriculum design and delivery at all levels of TVET institutions to help promote skill acquisition and industrial development. The paper also highlighted that, it is the people with requisite scientific and technological education and technical skills who can create wealth and help a country to attain economic prosperity and industrial development.

Keywords: Industrial Development; Policy Framework; Technical Vocational Training.