Dr. George Mawusi Afeti, a renowned expert in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), has emphasised the importance of leveraging Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to drive Ghana's 24-hour economy and national productivity agenda.

Speaking at the 11th Baraka Policy Institute public lecture, Dr. Afeti highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in TVET to equip Ghanaian youth with the skills required for the emerging job market.

Dr. Afeti explained that TVET is no longer limited to traditional trades such as carpentry and sewing, but encompasses a broader range of skills, including digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

He emphasised that TVET is crucial for Ghana's development, as it can provide the necessary workforce to drive industrialisation, innovation, and economic growth.

However, Dr. Afeti identified several challenges facing TVET in Ghana, including:

- Limited access to quality TVET programs

- Inadequate infrastructure and equipment

- Poor perception of TVET as a career option

- Limited industry involvement in TVET curriculum development

- Insufficient data on TVET outcomes

To address these challenges, Dr. Afeti proposed the following recommendations:

- Increase government investment in TVET infrastructure and teacher training

- Promote industry involvement in TVET curriculum development and delivery

- Develop a national TVET policy to guide TVET development

- Enhance digital literacy and skills training in TVET programs

- Establish a national qualification framework to recognise prior learning and skills

Dr. Afeti emphasised that TVET must be aligned with the 24-hour economy agenda to drive productivity and innovation. He suggested that TVET programmes should focus on developing skills in areas such as:

- Agriculture and food processing

- Manufacturing and industrial automation

- Construction and infrastructure development

- Renewable energy and energy efficiency

By investing in TVET and aligning it with the 24-hour economy, Ghana can empower its youth with the skills required to drive national development and economic growth.