Professor Eng. Hamidatu Saaka Darimani, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, has challenged technical and vocational graduates to prioritize practical competence, creativity, and character over formal qualifications. This initiative aims to break the cycle of youth unemployment in Ghana. Her remarks were made at the maiden graduation ceremony for informal-sector artisans at the Wa Technical Institute.
Professor Darimani emphasized that while certificates open doors, demonstrated skills and a professional mindset ensure long-term economic relevance. She stated, "Every employer and community is not looking for the longest certificates. They are looking for three things: competence in your hands, creativity in your mind, and character in your attitude." This focus on practical ability directly addresses Ghana's persistent youth unemployment challenges, which official data often places above 12% nationally.
This push for skills over paper qualifications aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to industrialize and create jobs through technical and vocational education and training (TVET). The government has invested significantly in TVET institutions and programs, recognizing their potential to equip young people with marketable skills. This approach seeks to reduce reliance on white-collar jobs, which are often scarce, and instead foster entrepreneurship and skilled labor in critical sectors.
The graduation ceremony was a milestone for technical education in the Upper West Region, certifying dozens of young men and women. These individuals transitioned from informal apprenticeships to structured, competency-based programs. The five-year initiative, sponsored by the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) with German development support, offers certification in National Proficiency 1 and National Certificate 1 across various fields.
Mr. Akateng Papilian Christian, Vice Principal for Administration and General Issues at the Wa Technical Institute, noted that the CTVET framework has restored hope for artisans. He explained that many previously excluded individuals, who could not progress beyond primary or junior high school, now have academic pathways. This program directly addresses the historical exclusion of informal sector workers from formal recognition and career advancement.
Despite these advancements, industry leaders highlighted significant operational barriers for local craftspeople. A major concern is the high cost of modern automotive diagnostic machinery. Mr. Jinsung Rashid, Upper West Regional Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Garages (GNAG), appealed to the government for import tax exemptions on this specialized equipment.
Mr. Rashid explained that modern vehicles are increasingly computerized, making traditional mechanical approaches insufficient. He warned that exorbitant import duties inflate the retail price of diagnostic devices, making them unaffordable for average mechanics. This situation increases the risk of poor repairs, the use of fake spare parts, and avoidable road crashes, posing a threat to public safety and the integrity of the transport system.
The government's response to GNAG's request for tax waivers will significantly impact the modernization of Ghana's automotive repair sector. Granting these exemptions could reduce operational costs for mechanics, encourage the adoption of advanced technology, and improve vehicle safety standards. Conversely, inaction could perpetuate reliance on outdated methods, hindering the sector's growth and potentially increasing road accidents.
This event brought together master craftsmen, young artisans, parents, and academic heads. It showcased a unified effort between formal institutions and trade associations to build a skilled, self-reliant workforce across the Upper West Region. The continued collaboration and policy support are crucial for sustaining this momentum and ensuring Ghana's economic development.