By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to establish three new technical universities and construct 50,000 housing units for teachers as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment and strengthen Ghana’s education sector.
Delivering his 2026 State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Friday, February 27, the President said the expansion of technical universities is aimed at bridging Ghana’s skills gap and addressing persistent youth unemployment.
He underscored the strategic role of technical and vocational education in aligning training with industry needs and national development priorities.
“Technical universities play a critical role in closing the skills gap and reducing youth unemployment by delivering high-quality, industry-aligned and practice-oriented training within a broader policy framework that stimulates labour demand,” he stated.
According to President Mahama, the proposed institutions will not only expand enrolment capacity but will serve as hubs for innovation and industrial collaboration, preparing a workforce capable of competing in a modern, technology-driven economy.
The move comes amid concerns about graduate unemployment and the mismatch between academic qualifications and labour market demands. The government’s approach seeks to pivot towards practice-based training that directly supports sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, construction and emerging industries.
Beyond tertiary reforms, President Mahama also announced an ambitious housing programme targeting teachers, particularly those serving in rural and underserved communities.
The initiative aims to deliver 50,000 housing units through a partnership involving the District Assemblies Common Fund, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and the Ghana National Association of Teachers, among other stakeholders.
The President said improving accommodation for teachers is critical to boosting morale, enhancing retention and ensuring equitable distribution of educators across the country.
“This partnership demonstrates our collective dedication to enhancing teachers’ living conditions and boosting retention, especially in rural and remote areas,” he noted.
The announcements form part of the government’s broader economic transformation agenda, placing education, skills development and workforce readiness at the centre of national growth efforts.
