Story: Atta Kwaku Boadi 

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Apaak says, President John Dramani Mahama recognises Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a critical driver of socio-economic development.

The Deputy Education Minister who is also a Member of Parliament  (MP) for Builsa South constituency in the Upper East region noted that President Mahama’s commitment  to this course was  documented in the 2024 manifesto of the National Democratic Congress (NDC.) 

According to him, countries that had prioritised technical education had experienced significant advancements in their industrial sectors, job creation, and technological innovation.

 That, he said was  why the NDC government, under the leadership of president  Mahama, was committed to revitalising and expanding access to technical and vocational education to ensure that Ghana’s workforce was  globally competitive and adequately prepared for the demands of the modern economy.

Dr  Apaak made these observations while speaking on behalf of the Minister  of Education, Haruna Iddrisu at the grand durbar of  the 25^th anniversary celebration of Bolgatanga Technical University  at Sumbrungu Campus on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Full Speech by Dr Clement Apaak 

SPEECH BY THE DEPUTY MINISTER FOR EDUCATION ON BEHALF OF THE HONOURABLE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AT THE GRAND DURBAR OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF BOLGATANGA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY AT CEREMONIAL GROUNDS, SUMBRUNGU CAMPUS ON FRIDAY, 14TH MARCH 2025

Chairperson 

Members of the Governing Council

Vice-Chancellor

Pro Vice-Chancellor

Members of Management

Distinguished Faculty and Staff

Traditional and Religious Leaders

Alumni and Students

Invited Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Day!

Introduction

It is with immense pleasure and profound gratitude that I stand before you today to deliver this address on behalf of the Honourable Minister for Education at this grand durbar marking the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Bolgatanga Technical University. This milestone is not just a commemoration of years gone by but a celebration of resilience, academic excellence, and transformational impact.

Bolgatanga Technical University, since its establishment, has remained a beacon of technical and vocational education in Ghana, shaping the future of our youth and contributing immensely to national development. Over the past 25 years, this esteemed institution has played a pivotal role in equipping students with the requisite technical, entrepreneurial, and professional skills necessary to drive industrialisation and economic progress in Ghana.

The theme for this celebration, “25 Years of Technical Education: Impact, Challenges, and Prospects,” is both timely and relevant. President John Dramani Mahama recognises that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is a critical driver of socio-economic development. This commitment is documented in the 2024 manifesto of the NDC. 

Indeed, countries that have prioritised technical education have experienced significant advancements in their industrial sectors, job creation, and technological innovation. This is why the NDC government, under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, is committed to revitalising and expanding access to technical and vocational education to ensure that Ghana’s workforce is globally competitive and adequately prepared for the demands of the modern economy.

Over the last two and a half decades, Bolgatanga Technical University has made significant strides in technical education. It has trained thousands of skilled professionals who are actively contributing to industries across Ghana and beyond. The university has become a hub for innovation, equipping students with hands-on experience in fields such as engineering, applied sciences, business, and technology.

Through strategic collaborations with international institutions such as the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, USA, and the University of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, the university has expanded its academic reach and strengthened its curriculum to meet international standards. These partnerships have provided students with unique opportunities to engage in exchange programs, research collaborations, and specialized training in emerging fields.

Additionally, Bolgatanga Technical University has played a key role in promoting entrepreneurship. By fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance, the institution has empowered many young graduates to establish their own businesses, thereby reducing unemployment and contributing to Ghana’s economic growth.

Ladies and gentlemen, as we reflect on the remarkable journey of this institution, we must also acknowledge the challenges that have come with it. Technical universities across the country continue to face infrastructural deficits, funding constraints, and limited access to modern teaching and learning equipment. Furthermore, there is a growing need to continuously align curricula with industry trends to ensure that graduates are equipped with relevant, up-to-date skills.

The government, through the Ministry of Education, is committed to bridging these gaps by increasing investment in technical universities, improving research capacity, and expanding internship and apprenticeship opportunities through strategic partnerships with industries.

To address these challenges, the John Dramani Mahama government will be rolling out a comprehensive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Transformation Agenda, in the following ways; funding and improving TVET education, enterprise development and job creation, and TVET instructor development. Among others, it is aimed at:

1. Upgrading Technical University Facilities: This will involve modernising laboratories, workshops, and classrooms to meet international standards.
2. Enhancing Instructor Capacity: We will achieve this by providing training and capacity-building programs for faculty members to improve teaching methodologies and research output.
3. Strengthening Industry-Academia Linkages: In this regard, we will encourage more partnerships between universities and industries to ensure that students receive practical, real-world experience.
4. Promoting Digital and Technological Integration: To ensure this, we will expand access to digital learning platforms and equipping students with ICT skills to enhance innovation.
5. Expanding Scholarship Opportunities: To this end, we will increase government support for students in technical fields, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
6. Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Innovation: We will actualise this by providing financial support, incubation centers, and mentorship programs to help graduates transition into self-employment.

Additionally, under our new policy initiatives, we plan to ensure that students in technical universities have access to well-equipped training centers, scholarships for STEM-related fields, and support for start-ups and entrepreneurial ventures to enable graduates to create their own opportunities.

Recognising the importance of student welfare, this government is also committed to improving the overall student experience in technical universities. We understand that for students to excel, they must have access to affordable accommodation, reliable transportation, quality healthcare services, and financial aid programs. To this end, we plan to implement:

1. No-Academic-Fee Policy (No-Fees-Stress Initiative): An amount of GH¢499.8 million has been allocated to cover the no academic fees for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions.  
2. Enhanced Student Loan Scheme: We will increase accessibility and efficiency of student loan disbursement to ensure that no student drops-out due to financial constraints.
3. Improved Campus Infrastructure: We will expand hostels, recreational facilities, and digital libraries to create a conducive learning environment.
4. Enhanced Internship and Job Placement Programs: We will establish stronger linkages with industry leaders to facilitate seamless transition from school to employment.
5. Mental Health and Counseling Services: Strengthening student support systems to provide guidance, career counseling, and mental health services to students in need will be prioritised.

On this momentous occasion, I commend the leadership of Bolgatanga Technical University, both past and present, for their dedication and service. Your efforts in shaping minds and nurturing talents will forever remain invaluable. To the faculty and staff, your commitment to excellence and mentorship is deeply appreciated. Your role in molding the next generation of professionals is one that cannot be understated.

To the students and alumni, you are the true ambassadors of this great institution, and I urge you to uphold its values wherever you find yourselves. The knowledge and skills you acquire here must be used to uplift your communities and drive national development.

As we celebrate this silver jubilee, let us renew our collective commitment to the vision of Bolgatanga Technical University. Let us forge stronger partnerships, embrace innovation, and work together to advance technical education for the benefit of our country.

Under this new administration, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, and the direction of the Hon. Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, we will work tirelessly to create an inclusive and forward-looking educational system that leaves no one behind. Education is the foundation of our nation’s future, and it is through institutions like BTU that we can build a prosperous and self-sufficient Ghana.

Together, lets reflect, review and reset our educational system in general, and technical and vocational education in particular. This is the surest way we can build the Ghana we want.

Once again, congratulations on reaching this remarkable milestone. May the next 25 years bring even greater achievements and impact.

Thank you, and may God bless us all.