The growing significance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ghana’s quest for industrialization and job creation was brought into sharp focus when St. Paul Technical School (SPATS) at Akyem-Kukurantumi in the Abuakwa North Municipality held its third graduation ceremony for students who successfully completed various technical and vocational programmes.
The colorful event attracted a distinguished gathering of educationists, traditional authorities, policymakers, old students, parents, religious leaders, development partners, and members of the local community, all united in celebrating the achievements of the graduating class and reaffirming their commitment to skills-based education.
Held under the theme, “TVET: Skilled Youth, Strong Nation,” the ceremony highlighted the critical role technical education continues to play in addressing youth unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship, and providing the skilled workforce needed for national development.
Technical Education No Longer a Second Choice
Delivering the keynote address, the principal of Ada College of Education, Prof. Prince Boateng, challenged long-held misconceptions that portray technical and vocational education as a lesser alternative to traditional academic pathways.
According to him, the global economy is increasingly rewarding practical skills, innovation, and technical expertise, making TVET one of the most valuable forms of education in the 21st century.
“The era when society looked down on technical education is over. The era of the skilled youth has arrived, and it is here to stay,” Prof. Boateng declared to loud applause from the audience.
He explained that many of the world’s most successful economies, including China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore, achieved rapid economic transformation through deliberate investments in technical and vocational skills development.
“These countries did not build their economies by chance. They invested heavily in developing skilled technicians, artisans, engineers, and innovators who became the backbone of their industrial growth,” he noted. Prof. Boateng stressed that Ghana must follow a similar path if it hopes to achieve sustainable economic growth and reduce unemployment among the youth.
Skilled Technicians Remain Indispensable
The educationist observed that despite advances in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, there remains an irreplaceable demand for skilled professionals capable of performing practical tasks that keep societies functioning.
“In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we work, it still cannot repair electrical faults, weld bridges, install solar energy systems, construct buildings, or maintain critical infrastructure. Skilled technicians remain indispensable,” he stated.
“When the electricity goes off in the house of a politician, a professor, a lawyer, or a chief executive officer, they do not call a philosopher. They call an electrician. They call someone with technical skills. They call you,” a statement that drew laughter and admiration from the gathering.
He described TVET graduates as some of the most important contributors to national development because their expertise directly supports industries, businesses, and households across the country.
Prof. Boateng further challenged the graduands to move beyond seeking employment and instead embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, as he urged them to use the practical knowledge acquired during their studies to establish businesses, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“The future belongs to young people who can identify problems and provide practical solutions. Your skills place you in a position not only to seek jobs, but also to create opportunities for others,” he advised.
The principal of Ada College of Education encouraged the graduates to uphold integrity, professionalism, hard work, and continuous learning as they embark on the next phase of their lives.
The guest speaker also used the occasion to appeal to government authorities and policymakers to deepen investment in technical and vocational education.
He called on the Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa North, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), corporate organizations, and development partners to provide stronger support for TVET institutions through improved infrastructure, modern equipment, affordable start-up financing, and stronger partnerships with industry.
According to him, creating flexible credit facilities and business incubation opportunities for young artisans and technicians would significantly boost youth employment and local economic development.
“Ghana’s industrial future depends heavily on the investments we make today in technical and vocational education. We must equip our young people with the tools, technology, and resources needed to transform their skills into productive enterprises,” he emphasized.
Principal Celebrates Graduates’ Achievement
On his part, the principal of St. Paul Technical School, Mr. Teye-Bi-Teye Agualey, congratulated the graduating students for successfully completing their programmes despite the challenges encountered throughout their academic journey.
The graduates completed programmes in various disciplines, including welding and fabrication, electrical installation, building technology, fashion design, hospitality, and other technical trades.
Mr. Agualey described the graduates as future builders of the nation whose knowledge and practical abilities would contribute significantly to Ghana’s socio-economic transformation.
For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z
