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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
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Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
