The European Union (EU) has committed EUR 33.5 million towards the expansion and reinforcing of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), in Ghana.
The initiative, which is under the EU-Ghana Pact for Skills programme, seeks to improve education and job creation in Ghana.
The EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, who announced this at the ‘Study in Europe’ networking event in Accra, on Monday, which formed part of activities to mark the EU Day celebration, said: “we want to be a partner for the future of Ghana. Strengthening education and job creation is the best way to realise this ambition”.
He said the programme would empower Ghana’s workforce through enhanced skills development and employment opportunities.
Mr Razaaly said the EU remained dedicated to the Erasmus+ programme aimed at supporting education, training, youth and sport in Europe.
He indicated that Erasmus+ was a central pillar of the EU’s support for education, offering Ghanaian youth a unique opportunity to gain top-level academic experience.
“Beyond schooling, Erasmus allows for cultural exchange between Europe and students from around the world,” The EU Ambassador said.
“Each year, approximately 1000 students fly over to the best universities in Europe with the help of scholarships offered by the EU and its member states. In addition, European Universities provide many scholarships through bilateral agreements with Ghanaian Universities,” he added.
Mr Razaaly stressed that “education support and jobs creation will remain a priority for the EU for years to come. The future of EU-Ghana relations lies in nurturing our young talents and providing them with the necessary tools and opportunities to develop”.
Mr Razaaly said, a brighter future for Ghana “begins with fostering a new generation of innovative and resilient leaders.”
He urged Ghanaian youth to take advantage of the opportunity and improve upon their skills as the programme had been expanded to attract more partners in Europe.
The Deputy Director General for the Ghana Technical Education Commission (GTEC), Prof. Yayra Dzakadzie, said the partnership with the EU was pivotal in transforming Ghana’s educational landscape and empowering the youth through enhanced educational mobility.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our shared vision of equipping young talents with the necessary tools to thrive in an ever-evolving job market,” he stated.
The Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Ms Vanessa Phala, urged students to utilise the opportunities to support Ghana’s development.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
