The Centre for Development and Policy Advocacy (CEDEPA) has called for the extension of Ghana’s Free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policy to cover apprenticeship training for out-of-school youth.
The call forms part of CEDEPA’s commemoration of International Youth Day 2026, being observed under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
In a statement, CEDEPA said there was a need for greater investment in inclusive skills development for deprived and vulnerable young people, particularly street-connected youth.
The organisation also highlighted the outcomes and recommendations of its 2024 Stakeholder Forum on Inclusive TVET and Apprenticeship in Ghana, which it has presented to the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment.
CEDEPA said it was encouraged that several recommendations from the forum had already been incorporated into the government’s current TVET and apprenticeship initiatives.
However, it is urging government to extend the Free TVET policy to apprenticeship training for out-of-school youth seeking to acquire new skills, upgrade existing skills or obtain certification through relevant government TVET institutions across the country.
According to CEDEPA, such an intervention would remove financial barriers that prevent many young people from accessing practical skills training.
It said expanding access to apprenticeship and vocational training would also create more pathways to employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship for young people who are unable to pursue conventional formal education.
CEDEPA further called for sustained collaboration among government, civil society organisations, training institutions, the private sector and young people in designing policies and programmes that respond to the diverse circumstances of Ghanaian youth.
The organisation said such collaboration was necessary to support the common aspirations of young people for decent work, economic opportunities and a better future.
Source: Ibrahim Angaangmeni Alhassan/Zaaghana.com
