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Sebastian Deh appointed Chairman of Ghana TVET Governing Council
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Kpando, Mr Sebastian Deh, has been appointed Chairman of the Governing Council of the Ghana Technical and Vocational Training Education (TVET).
The Minister for Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, who inaugurated the Council, charged members to work hard in order to position TVET as a vital component of Ghana’s education system.
He said Ghanaians were looking forward to deriving the immense benefits that TVET entailed hence they should not be disappointed.
The appointment of Mr Deh has been considered appropriate since he had helped in establishing the foundation of TVET reforms in the country.
A former Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET), Mr Deh had instituted major polices and institutional reforms that had reshaped the technical education sector in Ghana.
Under his leadership, the country adopted the Competency-Based Training (CBT) in public institutions, introduced the National TVET Qualifications Framework, and launched the Skills Development Fund, through which more than 60,000 young people were equipped with skills training tailored to industry demands.
These interventions have significantly improved the relevance, quality, and employability focus of TVET programmes throughout the country.
He was instrumental in promoting market-driven training models by introducing modular short courses— like solar PV installation, ICT device servicing, and automotive diagnostics—all of which have provided young people with quick access to income-generating opportunities, while maintaining national certification standards.
At the Kpando Technical Institute (Kpantech), the MP has introduced specialised training programmes in Electronics and ICT, which continues to empower young people with hands-on skills.
At the Sovie Technical School, he has helped in equipping the ICT laboratory and facilitated scholarships for 90 female students in Electronics. These efforts, along with his broader developmental interventions— including the provision of boreholes, clinic facilities, and libraries —demonstrate his commitment to both educational transformation and local development.
Mr Deh in a speech said the inauguration of the Council marked a significant part in Ghana’s TVET reforms and demonstrates government’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the country’s growing economy.
He assured the Minister that the Council would work hard to deliver on its mandate, by leveraging the quality expertise of its members.
By Spectator Reporter
News
Gov’t to build new public technical university in Western Region – Pres. Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that his government will build a new public technical university in the Western Region to expand access to technical and vocational education for young people.
In a speech at the Jubilee House during a courtesy call by the Paramount Chief of the Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, and other members of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, President Mahama said the new university forms part of a broader plan to prepare the region’s youth for emerging job opportunities in mining, oil and gas, agribusiness, and digital industries.
He explained that the technical university will be designed to meet the practical needs of industries in the region and across the country.
According to him, this move is crucial to Ghana’s long-term development goals, especially as the Western Region continues to contribute significantly to the national economy through natural resources.
“The Western Region holds immense potential to lead Ghana into a new era of industrialization and job creation. But we must equip our young people with the right skills. That is why we are building a new public technical university here” the President intimated.
He added that this new institution will work alongside other youth-focused programs, including a region-wide employment initiative focused on agri-tech, tourism, green jobs, and digital entrepreneurship.
President Mahama revealed plans to upgrade the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital into a modern teaching hospital that will serve as a referral center for the Western and Western North regions.
This, he said, would improve healthcare delivery and provide training grounds for medical students.
He assured the chiefs that these initiatives would help bridge development gaps and ensure that the youth in the region have better access to education, training, and jobs.
The President urged the chiefs to support these efforts by promoting peace, unity, and development in their communities.
News
Oil-producing communities in Western Region to benefit from sea defense and social projects – Prez Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has assured that coastal communities in the Western Region affected by oil and gas activities will see direct improvements in infrastructure, sea defense, and social services under his next development agenda.
The president made it clear that the discovery of petroleum in the region must be a blessing and not a burden.
He stated that towns like Essiama and Anochie, located in the oil-producing enclaves, would benefit from better roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, and agribusiness support as part of the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
He explained that the government is expanding sea defense projects along the coast to protect fishing communities from tidal wave erosion.
These efforts, he noted are also aimed at preserving marine livelihoods and supporting the coastal economy.
President Mahama revealed that the government will establish a dedicated oil and gas services hub at the Takoradi Port through a public-private partnership.
He said the expansion of the port would include new container terminals and dry bulk facilities to boost exports and reduce delays for vessels.
He added that the (Local Content and Local Participation) Regulations, 2013 (L.I. 2204) would be strengthened to ensure young people in the Western Region gain access to petroleum jobs, contracts, and technical training.
The president also announced that the Ministry of Energy had been directed to renegotiate land arrangements with landowners around the planned petroleum hub.
He said the government will release unused portions of land back to communities and pay compensation for land that will be used, starting with 5,000 hectares instead of the initially acquired 20,000 hectares.
He stressed that oil wealth must translate into better living conditions for the people whose lands and livelihoods are affected by exploration and production activities.
Jacob Aggrey
