By Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo
The Upper West Regional Minister, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, says the Akufo-Addo administration remains resolute in its efforts to reposition Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a viable pathway to success.
To this end, initiatives such as establishing new TVET institutions, revamping existing ones, and aligning programmes with industry needs are in progress.
Dr Bin Salih expressed the sentiment when he stood in for President Akufo-Addo at the climax of the 60th anniversary of St. Francis Xavier Junior Seminary in Wa.
GBC’s Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo says in this special piece on the event that the focus of the anniversary was “Xavier at 60: The Role of Stakeholders in Keeping the Light of Excellence Shining”.
Dr Bin Salih indicated that the steps being taken to reposition TVET are aimed at equipping the youth with practical skills that meet the demands of the job market as well as fostering entrepreneurship.
He commended the Catholic Diocese of Wa for establishing the school and sustaining it for six decades.
“I dare single out my late uncle, the first Bishop of Wa Diocese of the Catholic Church, the Late Cardinal Peter P. Dery, for commendation.
Sixty years ago, a vision was set in motion that has stood the test of time and continues to illuminate the paths of countless young minds. Today, as we celebrate this milestone, we honour the legacy of St. Francis Xavier Junior Seminary and pay tribute to the formative impact it has had on generations of students.
This institution stands as a beacon of knowledge, value, and character building,” he stated.
The National Vice Chairman of the NDC, Prof. Joshua Alabi, who deputised for the Flagbearer of the NDC, John Mahama, paid tribute to St. Francis Xavier Junior Seminary for its enduring commitment to excellence and entreated stakeholders to uphold the values of the school.
Prof. Alabi told the gathering that the next administration of President Mahama will focus more on the youth by utilising the 24-hour economic model to address the unemployment problem, stressing that there is hope.
The Rector of St. Francis Xavier, Reverend Fr. Martin Naaderi observed that the school has staff as well as residential accommodation challenges and called for support from benefactors.
The Diocesan Administrator, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Bayirinoba, regretted that St. Francis Xavier Junior Seminary has now become an institution for the wards of the elite because of the insistence on the admission of the best brains. He pointed out that the situation has made it difficult for the children of peasant farmers to gain admission to the School.
The Diocesan Administrator therefore called for an arrangement to admit “average academic students from rural communities” who do not have the chance of attending what he termed “high-performing international schools”.
The function was chaired by the Paramount Chief of Lawra, Naa Puowele Karbo.
