Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has declared that digital and green skills are no longer optional if Ghana is to successfully prepare its workforce for a rapidly changing global economy.
Speaking at the Canada–Ghana Workforce Development and Skills Forum held at The Palms by Eagles, Airport City in Accra, Dr. Apaak outlined the government’s strategic direction for skills development under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework.
He noted that sweeping global changes driven by automation, artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and climate transition have fundamentally reshaped the nature of work.
“Digital competence is no longer optional. It is foundational,” Dr. Apaak stated, emphasizing that the future readiness of Ghana’s workforce depends largely on how effectively the education system responds to technological advancement.
According to him, the government has begun embedding digital skills across TVET programmes, moving beyond basic computer literacy to advanced, industry-relevant applications. These include generative artificial intelligence, automation, digital marketing, and sector-specific software delivered through blended and technology-enabled learning models.
“Across our TVET programmes, we are embedding digital skills—ranging from basic digital literacy to advanced applications such as generative AI, automation, digital marketing, and sector-specific software,” he said.
Dr. Apaak explained that the objective is to ensure graduates are productive and employable immediately after training, rather than requiring extensive retraining upon entering the labour market. He stressed that this shift is critical for a country like Ghana, where a youthful population presents both an opportunity and a responsibility.
Beyond digital competence, the Deputy Minister highlighted the increasing importance of environmental sustainability in workforce planning. He noted that green skills have become central to Ghana’s development agenda, in line with global climate commitments and national development priorities.
He revealed that training areas now include renewable energy installation, sustainable construction, energy efficiency, waste management, recycling, and climate-smart agriculture. “At the same time, Ghana is mainstreaming green skills across the TVET ecosystem,” he said, describing the move as a response to both economic necessity and environmental reality.
Dr. Apaak linked the integration of green skills to broader national and global goals, stating that workforce transformation must contribute to sustainability. “This ensures our workforce not only supports economic growth but also advances climate resilience and sustainable development,” he added.
The Deputy Minister also underscored the importance of international partnerships in aligning skills training with future labour market needs. He described Canada as a strategic partner, citing its strengths in applied education, workforce planning, and inclusive skills development.
He stressed that collaboration between Ghana and Canada must move beyond isolated pilot projects to scalable and sustainable systems that can have a nationwide impact.
Dr. Apaak concluded by insisting that equipping young people with relevant digital and green skills is essential to transforming Ghana’s demographic advantage into long-term economic progress. He warned that any delay in adapting the skills ecosystem would only widen existing gaps and limit the country’s competitiveness in the global economy.
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