The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and UNESCO have signed a letter of intent to establish a strategic partnership aimed at expanding digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills development across Ghana’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.

The signing ceremony, held in Accra, brought together education leaders, development partners, and stakeholders committed to preparing Ghana’s workforce for the rapidly evolving digital economy.

Speaking at the event, GETFund Administrator, Paul Adjei, described the agreement as more than a document, calling it “a shared commitment to preparing Ghana's workforce for the rapidly evolving digital economy”.

He noted that as technology continues to transform industries, the need to equip young people with relevant digital competencies, AI capabilities, and innovation-driven skills has become urgent. 

“GETFund remains committed to investing strategically in educational infrastructure, human capital development, and innovative programmes that improve access to quality education,” Mr Adjei said. 

“The future competitiveness of our nation depends significantly on the ability of our TVET institutions to produce graduates who are not only technically competent but also digitally empowered.”

He added that the partnership aligns with Ghana’s national development agenda and government’s commitment to transforming TVET into a dynamic, industry-responsive system. 

The collaboration will focus on digital learning ecosystems, AI education, curriculum enhancement, capacity building for instructors, and expanding opportunities for learners.

“We are particularly excited about the prospects this collaboration presents for strengthening institutional capacity, promoting innovation, fostering digital inclusion, and ensuring that no learner is left behind,” he stated.

UNESCO Country Representative to Ghana, Edmond Moukala, commended GETFund for its strategic leadership in education reform. 

He said the partnership builds on UNESCO’s ongoing work in Ghana including the Better Education for Africa’s Rights project with the Republic of Korea which has supported TVET governance, curriculum modernization, and teacher capacity.

Mr Moukala highlighted the AI empowered program under UNESCO’s Global Skills Academy as a flagship initiative. 

Implemented with partners including KPMG, Microsoft, and Tablet Academy, the program is designed to empower educators with the knowledge and practical skills to integrate AI into teaching and learning while preparing students with digital competencies demanded by employers.

“Artificial intelligence is no longer a technology of the future, it is rapidly becoming a fundamental part of how we teach, learn and work,” Mr. Moukala said. “The question before us is not whether AI will shape education, but how we can ensure that educators and learners are equipped to use it responsibly, ethically and effectively.”

He stressed that while AI presents opportunities for improving teaching and creating new jobs, the efforts must ensure no one is left behind. 

“AI is a tool. We still need our teachers. Empowering them will guarantee the sustainable, ethical way for our students to integrate AI into their learning processes.”

Both leaders expressed optimism that the letter of intent marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that will deliver measurable outcomes for institutions, students, industries, and Ghana’s socio-economic transformation.

The event was attended by representatives from GETFund, UNESCO, KPMG, Microsoft, Tablet Academy, the Ghana TVET Service and other stakeholders.