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The Honourable Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, received a delegation from the PACT for Skills: Support to the Transformation of the TVET System in Ghana project at the Ministry of Education. The visit served as a platform to brief the Minister on the current status of the project’s implementation and to reaffirm the shared commitment to strengthening the TVET sector in Ghana.

In his remarks, Hon. Iddrisu reiterated that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains a top priority for the Government under the RESET Agenda of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. He announced plans to present a proposal to Cabinet for the establishment of a dedicated TVET Fund aimed at ensuring sustainable financing for the sector. According to the Minister, the fund will play a critical role in consolidating progress made in recent years and will also support other strategic government interventions, such as the recently launched National Apprenticeship Programme. He further noted that the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has already made a provision to support ongoing TVET initiatives.

Hon. Iddrisu emphasized the remarkable growth in enrolment within the TVET sector and stressed the urgent need to strengthen institutional capacity, infrastructure, and quality assurance systems. He further stated that TVET should no longer be perceived as a secondary or alternative option, but rather as a competitive and first-choice pathway for learners. He applauded the support of the German Government, through the PACT for Skills project, which has facilitated the development of Ghana’s National TVET Policy, enhanced teacher training, increased female enrolment, and promoted the integration of green skills in TVET delivery.

Ms. Chantel Kristin Lahmer, Policy Advisor at the German Embassy in Ghana and leader of the delegation, reaffirmed the German Government’s enduring commitment to supporting Ghana’s TVET transformation agenda. She highlighted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Ghana-Germany development cooperation, adding that a high-level government-to-government negotiation is scheduled to take place later in the year to further strengthen bilateral ties. Ms. Lahmer commended the PACT for Skills project as a flagship initiative that embodies the shared vision of both countries for inclusive and sustainable skills development.

Ms. Silke Partner, Head of the GIZ TVET Programme, noted that the PACT for Skills is a long-standing initiative that continues to deliver measurable impact. As the project approaches its mid-term review, she announced the convening of a Steering Committee meeting that will provide a strategic platform for reflection, dialogue, and alignment on the way forward.

The Director General of the Commission for TVET (CTVET), Mr. Zakaria Sulemana, expressed appreciation to the German Government and GIZ for their unwavering support. He underscored the significant contributions made by the project, particularly in strengthening Sector Skills Bodies, enhancing TVET teacher training, and supporting curriculum development. Mr. Sulemana called for broader stakeholder engagement and resource mobilisation to expand the reach and effectiveness of ongoing interventions.

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Mamle Andrews, echoed the Minister’s sentiments and reiterated the need to reposition TVET as a preferred educational and career pathway. She stressed the importance of strategic communication and advocacy efforts to reshape public perceptions and elevate the status of TVET among learners and their families.

The meeting concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the collective resolve by government and development partners to accelerate reforms in the TVET sector and equip Ghanaians with the skills needed for inclusive economic growth and national development.