Accra: Mr Kofi Asare, Executive Director of Education Watch Africa, has revealed that only 25 per cent of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Ghana are currently aware of the importance of green skills.
According to Ghana News Agency, this low awareness level was attributed to findings from a recent study conducted by the Mastercard Foundation. Speaking at an assessment forum on the National Apprenticeship Programme, Mr Asare highlighted a significant gap between the skills being taught at present and the demands of the future labour market.
Mr Asare explained that green skills, which encompass areas such as renewable energy system installation, green building and retrofitting, waste management, and recycling, are crucial across all sectors, not just those traditionally perceived as 'green' industries. These skills are vital for reducing environmental impact and fostering a sustainable society.
He emphasized the need to equip learners with market-relevant skills, including climate response, waste management, and green energy. Despite the essential nature of these skills, Mr Asare pointed out that green-related fields are often seen as low-paying and thus unattractive to students.
Furthermore, he noted that only 27 per cent of the private sector currently shows a demand for green skills. Despite this low demand, Mr Asare urged stakeholders to prioritize green skills development to enhance Ghana's workforce readiness for the future.
Advocating for training models aligned with climate change mitigation and green transition objectives, Mr Asare stressed the need for curriculum reform and increased public awareness. These measures, he argued, are crucial to ensure that TVET graduates are well-prepared for the evolving job market and can effectively contribute to sustainable development goals.
