Education minister commissions modern girls’ dormitory to strengthen TVET education

Correspondence from Eastern Region

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has commissioned a state-of-the-art 70-bed girls’ dormitory at St. Paul’s Technical School (SPATS), describing the facility as a major step in the government's efforts to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and increase female participation in technical education across Ghana.

The newly commissioned dormitory is equipped with modern ancillary facilities, a 100 per cent solar-powered energy system and a biodigester, reflecting the government's commitment to providing sustainable, environmentally friendly and inclusive educational infrastructure.

Addressing a gathering of traditional leaders, students, teachers and education stakeholders during the commissioning ceremony, Haruna Iddrisu reiterated that TVET remains one of the government's key strategies for driving national socio-economic transformation. He noted that equipping young people with practical, industry-relevant skills is essential to reducing unemployment and creating sustainable livelihoods.

"TVET is not just an alternative; it is a priority," the minister emphasised. He disclosed that national TVET enrolment currently stands at 57,000 students, made up of 40,000 males and 17,000 females. He encouraged more young women to pursue technical and vocational education to help bridge the gender gap in technical professions and contribute significantly to Ghana's development.

Haruna Iddrisu further announced that the government would undertake additional infrastructure projects at St. Paul’s Technical School, including the construction of an ultramodern assembly hall and an 18-unit classroom block. He also assured the school that the shortage of furniture would be addressed without delay to improve teaching and learning.

The girls’ dormitory was constructed with funding from the European Union and the German Government under the Pact for Skills: Support to the Transformation of the TVET System in Ghana (P4S: STTSG) project and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

She explained that the partnership seeks to transform the entire TVET ecosystem by improving curricula, promoting digital innovation and integrating green skills, rather than focusing solely on individual institutions.



Director General of the Ghana TVET Service, Engr Dr Eric Kofi Adzroe, described the project as a significant intervention aimed at removing barriers that hinder girls from accessing technical education, particularly those from distant communities.

According to him, providing safe, secure and adequate accommodation for female students will encourage more young women to enrol in TVET institutions and successfully complete their training. He expressed appreciation to the European Union, GIZ, the German Embassy and the school's Parent-Teacher Association for their invaluable support in making the project a reality.

Dr Adzroe assured stakeholders that the Ghana TVET Service would collaborate closely with the management of St. Paul’s Technical School to ensure proper maintenance of the facility so that it continues to serve future generations of students.

The commissioning ceremony ended with a guided tour of the newly completed dormitory, which is expected to serve as a model for future investments in green, inclusive and high-quality technical education infrastructure across Ghana.