UNICEF Ghana and the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (GTVET) Launch Skills Supply and Demand Analysis Study in Ashanti Region

UNICEF Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (GTVET) Services, officially launched the Skills Supply and Demand Analysis study in the Ashanti Region. This initiative is a step towards addressing systemic issues within Ghana’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, as well as youth unemployment, skills mismatches, and inequitable access to training opportunities.

A Focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training: Bridging the Skills Gap to Drive Economic Growth in Ghana, the study aims to align TVET programs with the evolving needs of the 21st-century workforce. By analyzing the current skills landscape and future labour market demands, the study will inform evidence-based policy decisions and strategic interventions to improve the quality and relevance of TVET education.

Mr. Osama Makkawi, UNICEF Representative in Ghana, emphasized the importance of investing in youth skills development as a driver of national development. “By equipping young people with the necessary skills, we can create a more prosperous and equitable future for Ghana,” he said.

This latest initiative is part of UNICEF Ghana's ongoing effort to strengthen the TVET sector. Over the past few months, Mr. Makkawi has visited numerous public and private TVET institutions across the country, including the Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI), Afoako TVET, Prefos Private TVET, and higher education institutions like Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the University for Development Studies, and Cape Coast Technical University, the University of Cape Coast and University of Education Winneba.

These visits have provided valuable insights into the challenges facing the TVET sector, including urban-rural disparities, insufficient soft skills training, teacher capacity limitations, and gender stereotypes. By engaging with stakeholders at various levels, UNICEF Ghana is working  in partnership with the GTVET to address these issues and promote inclusive and equitable access to quality TVET education.

The Skills Supply and Demand Analysis study represents a pivotal advancement in aligning TVET programs with the evolving needs of the labor market. By identifying the specific skills required, the study ensures that TVET initiatives remain relevant, responsive, and aligned to the demands of the 21st century workforce.

Furthermore, the recommendations from this study will serve as a foundation for similar assessments in other regions, as UNICEF plans to scale up its operations and strengthen the existing partnership with TVET sector nationwide. This approach not only addresses current skills gaps but also contributes to building a more sustainable, skilled, and competitive workforce across the country.

This event also marked the successful completion of a comprehensive five-week training program designed to equip facilitators with specialized skills in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Milling and Lathe Machining.