The Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has reiterated government’s commitment at ensuring technical universities are adequately tooled in providing necessary skills for the youth.
Speaking at the commissioning of an Electromechanical Laboratory at the Koforidua Technical University, he said, the government will continue to invest in streamlining technical and vocational education, by making it the first option for young people seeking a career.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh added that the government recognizes the social and economic benefits of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and its potential to reduce unemployment by stimulating greater participation in the labour market and reducing inequality.
This he said, could be done by providing social mobility for disadvantaged groups. According to him, TVET is designed to prepare individuals for a specialized occupation, which is directly linked with the nation’s productivity and competitiveness.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Eric Kwakye Darfour also said, the inadequate training of artisans has negatively affected the growth of the economy, hence the government’s commitment to craftsmen, technicians and other middle level personnel in the broad spectrum of business.
He outlined the construction of modern TVET institutions in the country and the upgrading of National and Vocational Training Institutions and Colleges of Education that specialize in technical education as means of tackling infrastructural challenges in the sector.
For her part, the Interim Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. (Mrs.) Smile Gavau Dzisi said, in response to the needs of industry, seventy five percent of the university’s programs are in science and technology-based disciplines.
She said, the introduction of Mechatronics Engineering programs will churn out students who can design, develop and implement engineered products to solve challenging technological problems.
The laboratory, which will equip students with prerequisite skills to bridge the gap between industry and academia, was set-up with assistance from an American company, Amatrol Laboratory.
