The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, to take urgent steps to strengthen technical and vocational education in the country.

His appeal comes as Parliament considers the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Bill, 2025, aimed at expanding opportunities in specialised higher education.

Speaking during deliberations on the bill, Afenyo-Markin urged the sector Minister to incorporate proposals put forward by Members of Parliament into a comprehensive policy framework that prioritises skills training and practical education.

He expressed concern over what he described as a growing imbalance in Ghana’s education system, where academic qualifications are often prioritised at the expense of technical expertise.

According to him, key areas within the construction industry—such as tile laying and Plaster of Paris (P.O.P.) works—are increasingly being dominated by foreign nationals, a trend he attributed to the lack of local skilled labour.

“Today in Ghana, some areas in the construction sector, like tile laying and P.O.P., are heavily dominated by foreigners… everyone is chasing an MSc, BSc or BA,” he stated.

Afenyo-Markin stressed the need for a deliberate national effort to reorient the country’s educational focus towards technical and vocational training, arguing that such a shift is critical to equipping Ghanaians with employable skills and reducing reliance on foreign labour.

He further called for policies that will make technical education more attractive and accessible, ensuring that young people are encouraged to pursue careers in skilled trades alongside traditional academic pathways.

The University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Bill, 2025, is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of specialised education in Ghana, as lawmakers continue discussions on how best to align it with the country’s development needs.