Ghana’s fight against youth unemployment and poverty cannot be fully won without sustained investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), coupled with stronger support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as key drivers of job creation.
This was the central message delivered by development expert Chris Addy-Nayo during a policy dialogue on vocational training, youth development and economic transformation held in Tamale.
Mr Addy-Nayo stressed the need for Ghana to reposition TVET as a strategic tool for enterprise growth rather than viewing it as a lesser alternative to academic education.
“In today’s economy, skills are the new currency,” he said, underscoring the importance of equipping young people with practical, market-driven skills that can support sectors such as green businesses, digital services, construction and sustainable agriculture.
According to him, aligning TVET programmes with the needs of SMEs would not only improve employability among graduates but also empower them to establish and grow their own businesses.
He explained that a well-structured TVET system could transform thousands of young people into entrepreneurs, strengthen local industries and reduce dependence on the limited opportunities within the formal sector.
Mr Addy-Nayo further noted that SMEs thrive when backed by a skilled workforce, innovation and business-oriented training — areas where TVET can play a transformative role.
He added that strengthening vocational and technical training is essential not only for economic growth but also for building resilient local economies and reducing rural-to-urban migration.
The development expert also highlighted the potential of TVET to empower women and rural youth by providing them with practical skills, financial literacy and access to value chains needed to establish sustainable businesses.
He argued that such an approach is critical to promoting inclusive growth and reducing inequality across the country.
However, Mr Addy-Nayo cautioned that the full benefits of TVET can only be realised through strong political will, increased investment and deeper collaboration between government, industry players, financial institutions and training centres.
He further called for the establishment of incubation hubs, stronger apprenticeship systems and improved access to start-up financing to help bridge the gap between skills acquisition and enterprise development.
As Ghana works towards building a more resilient and inclusive economy, he urged policymakers to move beyond rhetoric and make deliberate investments in a TVET system that directly supports SME growth.
“TVET is not just about skills training; it is about building businesses, creating jobs, restoring dignity, and securing the future of our young people,” he concluded.