Pru East MP Calls for Stronger TVET Focus on Day of the African Child, Backed by Minority Leader

Member of Parliament for Pru East, Hon. Emmanuel Kwaku Boam, has urged Ghana to shift from an “over-reliance on formal education” and give stronger priority to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), saying practical skills are critical to national development.

Hon. Boam made the call today on the floor of Parliament while contributing to a statement by Salaga South MP, Hon. Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, in commemoration of the *Day of the African Child*.

*50 Years After Soweto Uprising*

Marking 50 years since African children protested poor-quality education and the denial of their right to learn, Hon. Boam said Ghana must place employable skills “at the centre of our education system.”

“Equipping our young people with practical and employable skills is critical to national development,” he told the House.

*Minority Leader Backs TVET Push*

The Pru East MP noted he was “encouraged” by the support of Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who reinforced the position in his submission. Hon. Afenyo-Markin highlighted what he called a “collective responsibility to build a more inclusive and skills-driven educational framework for our country.”

*Beyond Formal Education*

Hon. Boam argued that while formal education remains important, Ghana’s job market demands a workforce trained in technical and vocational fields. He said TVET must be mainstreamed to address youth unemployment and drive industrialization.

The Day of the African Child is observed annually on June 16 to honor students killed during the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa and to reflect on the state of education for African children.