ghananlpcommunity/ghana-gov-speeches-sentences huggingface dataset:
Speaker, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has extensively grown in status across the world.
The growth is largely owed to the general acceptance that TVET is a driving force for socio-economic development.
Irrefutably, TVET provides desirable talents, skills and the needed manpower that is required to propel development.
This Government, acknowledging the potential TVET presents strategically, set the following priorities: Provide the youth with skills that will make them employable, enhance their livelihoods and create wealth.
Provide the youth with the skills required by industries as government pursues the One District, One Factory (1D1F) and other development strategies.
Make Skills and TVET the driver of development in the country.
Enhance the Ghanaian workforce to make them globally competitive and attractive.
Provide the youth the opportunity to fully explore their capabilities with state-of-theart training, learning facilities and equipment as we industrialize Ghana.
To this end, Government through the Ministry of Education developed a five year “Strategic Plan for TVET Transformation” to ensure a well-organized, coordinated and effective national TVET system.
It is hoped that such a system will effectively support the economic development agenda, which the government has embarked upon, by promoting skills development and improving the productivity and competitiveness of the skilled workforce of this country.
Speaker, the implementation of this Strategic Plan has resulted in enhancing the Governance arrangement in the sector to the extent that all public TVET institutions are being realigned to be under the Ministry of Education.
The Education Regulatory Bodies Bill that was recently passed and the Pre-Tertiary Education Bill currently before the house provides the legal bases for the realignment.
This will resolve the fragmentation in the TVET landscape where the public TVET Institutions were scattered under nineteen different Ministries.
Speaker, this will lead to effective coordination, regulation, harmonization, standardization and quality of instruction delivery in TVET.
Speaker, TVET Infrastructural deficit that has been a major drag on quality delivery in the TVET Sector is being addressed.
This is manifested in the upgrading and modernization of all National Vocational training Institutes (NVTIs), Opportunity Industrialisation Centers (OIC), Construction of two Foundries and Machining centers; Upgrading of 17 Technical and Vocational Institutes, building of office to support the unit responsible for TVET Examination and the first phase for the establishment of the 32 State-of-the-Art TVET Centres which is about to be commence and preparatory activities are underway to seek approval for the second phase.
There are additional infrastructural and equipment provision at all Technical Universities to achieve quality delivery in the TVET at the Tertiary Level.
Speaker, the situation where our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters complete their schooling and are unable find employment has largely been attributed to the mismatches in demand and supply of industry skills needs.
To resolve this situation a skills gap analysis and audit of seven key sectors was conducted and the areas that need urgent attention is currently being addressed through the development of the relevant Competency Based Programmes and the establishment of Sector Skills Bodies.
The sectors that the Skills Gap Analysis and Audit covered were: • Agriculture, • Manufacturing, • Construction, • Information Communications Technology (ICT), • Tourism and Hospitality, • Energy, (Renewable Energy and Oil and Gas), • Electricals and electronics.
Speaker, the Ghana TVET Voucher Project (GTVP), a project under the GhanaianGerman Financial Development Cooperation, financed through KfW Development Bank and the Government of Ghana provides demand-driven training vouchers to Council for TVET (COTVET) registered master craft persons, their apprentices and workers.
The vouchers are used to fund competency-based training (CBT) in the following areas; ● Beauty / Cosmetics (Cosmetology) ● Consumer Electronics ● Automotive repair ● Building Construction (Welding) ● Garment / tailoring/ dressmaking ● Plumbing Furniture making ● Electrical installation ● Block laying and tiling ● Catering and hospitality Mr.
Speaker, 13,326 individuals have so far benefitted from this project and many more are going to benefit with additional trades.
Speaker, Government has also submitted to this house the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project, which will lead to the upgrading of skills among the country’s population, create more and better-quality jobs and improve on job outcomes for the youth.
It connects success in these areas to social cohesion and economic inclusion.
This is reflected in the government’s Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies (2017–2024): An Agenda for Jobs: Creating Prosperity and Equal Opportunity for All (Government of Ghana 2017).
Speaker, the Development Objective of the project is to support skills development and job creation in Ghana.
It supports the government’s prioritized skills development and job creation agenda, through four major components and these are: (a) Component 1: Provision of apprenticeship training for jobs (b) Component 2: Provision of entrepreneurship and micro and small enterprise support for jobs (c) Component 3: Operationalization of the Ghana Labor Market Information System, upgrading of district Public Employment Centers and services, and independent performance reviews of select government youth employment and skills development programs (d) Component 4: Capacity development, technical assistance, and project management support to coordinating, implementing, and partnering agencies for enhanced skills and jobs impact.
Speaker, The project will ensure the development of Competency-Based Training packages in at least One hundred (100) additional priority trades, accredit at least Two Hundred and Fifty (250) additional Training Providers for the Provision of CompetencyBased Training and provide a minimum Twenty Five Thousand (25,000) individuals with Apprenticeship Training, under a formalized, standardized, and quality-assured system.
Speaker, improving quality TVET delivery is very critical to government and so it has been working smart and this has led to the accreditation of 115 training providers out which 33 are public and 82 private TVET institutions to implement competency-based training, built capacity of 165 external verifiers for implementation of competency-based training in TVET institutions.
Speaker, let me state that until this government assumed office, the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Qualification Framework (NTVETQF) was on the shelves gathering dust.
I am glad to report that 6817 learners have been certified of the qualification framework.
Speaker, forty-two (42) Competency Based Training (CBT) packages have been developed for various skilled trades; whilst Twenty (20) CBT packages for generics at levels 1-4 on the NTVETQF are have been developed.
Speaker, the MyTVET campaign has been launched and being implemented.
The campaign is to help change the negative perceptions about TVET in Ghana using tools such as: i. Career guidance and counselling.
(Manuals has been provided for 100 JHS and training provided for the G & C Coordinators.
TVET Clubs in Junior High Schools.
Skills Competitions Skills International.
TVET ambassadors and role models.
v. Interactive MyTVET web portal.
TVET roadshows.
Radio, Newspaper and TV advertisements.
Outdoor Advertising (MyTVET Billboards, brochures, flyers and posters).
Speaker, Ghana has registered as the 81st member of WorldSkills International (WSI) and Ghana will be part of a global movement dedicated to promoting the benefits of skills training, have access to resources, activities, and events across WSI’s six focus areas (i.e.
promoting skills, education and training, Skills Competition, International Development, Career Building and Research).
Speaker, WorldSkills Ghana’s (WSGh’s) aims at inspiring world-class excellence in skills development and introducing the youth to a variety of skilled careers and thus, generate greater awareness on the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and the development of skills for national and global economies.
WorldSkills International is a movement that is changing the lives of young people through skills.
It is made up of 83 Member organizations reaching two-thirds of the world’s population and creates measurable impact at every level.
Our membership will build the confidence of young people, empower communities, and fuel our economy through youth employability, creativity and innovation.
This is to ensure that as a country, we grow the right set of skills required for industrialization and economic growth.
In the end, Mr.
Speaker, ours is to make Ghana a learning nation through education and I am confident that under our visionary President of the Republic, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, we will get there.
The Principal, Mrs.
Susan Yaa Aframa Arkah, Distinguished Guests, Honored Faculty Members, Graduates of the College of Health, Sefwi Asafo, Care Partners and Fellow Stakeholders.
It is with immense pleasure and a profound sense of pride that I extend my warmest welcome to all of you gathered here today at the 2023 Maiden Graduation Ceremony for the College of Health, Sefwi Asafo.
This day marks a significant milestone in the lives of our graduates, and it is an honour to stand before you as the Board Chairman of this esteemed institution.
On this auspicious occasion, we have gathered to celebrate the successful completion of the academic journey of our diligent and ambitious students.
Each one of you has traversed a path of determination, resilience, and hard work, and it is with great joy that we witness your transformation into skilled healthcare professionals.
The theme for this graduation ceremony, "Quality Health Training; The Role of Stakeholders," is particularly pertinent in today's dynamic and ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
The quality of healthcare services we offer to our communities is significantly shaped by the dedication and involvement of various stakeholders.
These stakeholders encompass our visionary governing board, committed faculty members, supportive parents, altruistic healthcare practitioners, and the students themselves.
To our dear graduates, you are the embodiment of hope and progress for our society.
As you step into the healthcare arena, I urge you to carry the torch of excellence and compassion.
The knowledge and skills you have acquired during your time at the College of Health must be coupled with a profound sense of responsibility towards those you serve.
Remember that healthcare is not just a profession; it is a calling to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Furthermore, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated faculty members of the College of Health, Sefwi Asafo.
Your commitment to imparting knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing a passion for excellence have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping these graduates into outstanding healthcare professionals.
Your dedication to the pursuit of academic and clinical excellence is deeply commendable.
Equally worthy of acknowledgment are the parents and families of our graduates.
Your unwavering support, sacrifices, and encouragement have been instrumental in their journey of success.
Your belief in their potential has allowed them to dream big and achieve even bigger.
Today is a testament to the love and guidance you have provided throughout their educational endeavours.
Moreover, we must acknowledge the role of the governing board and other stakeholders who have contributed to the growth and development of the College of Health, Sefwi Asafo.
Your vision, foresight, and generous support have paved the way for an institution that is recognized for producing competent healthcare professionals.
As we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, let us not forget that the journey towards enhancing the quality of healthcare services is a continuous one.
The healthcare landscape is continuously evolving, and as stakeholders, we must remain committed to fostering innovation, research, and continuous professional development.
Our collective efforts can truly transform healthcare and create a healthier, more resilient society.
In conclusion, I extend my warmest congratulations to the graduating class of 2023.
May your journey ahead be filled with purpose, success, and the fulfillment of your aspirations.
Remember that you are not only ambassadors of the College of Health, Sefwi Asafo, but also ambassadors of quality healthcare for our nation and the world at large.
Thank you, and let us all continue to collaborate in our efforts to improve healthcare standards and create a brighter, healthier future for all.
Congratulations once again!
Mr Speaker, I am glad to be here in this august House to perform, once again, one of the most pleasant duties on the calendar of the President of the Republic, that is, to give Honourable Members and the Ghanaian people a Message on the State of the Nation, in fulfilment of article 67 of the Constitution.
In accordance with protocol and convention, it is good to see that my wife, the First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Spouse of Mr.
Alice Adjua Yornas Bagbin, Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, and Justices of the Supreme Court, Chairperson Nana Otuo Siriboe II and Members of the Council of State, Chief of Staff of the Office of the President, Hon.
Akosua Frema Osei Opare, and officials of the presidency, Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, the Inspector General of Police, Dr.
Speaker, the House is also duly honoured by the welcome attendance of the former Presidents of the Republic, their Excellencies John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama, former First Lady, Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, and the Dean and Members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Speaker, it is the 8th of March today, and that means it is International Women’s Day, the day set aside globally to honour all women.
Please allow me to acknowledge and appreciate the significance of the day, and heartily congratulate women all over the world, and especially women in Ghana, for the role they play in realising the dreams, cares and aspirations of humankind and of this great nation.
The presence of women leaders, at both the local and national fronts, have advanced rights, enhanced equality, and, in general, improved the living standards and quality of lives of all concerned, including that of men.
The theme for this year recognises and celebrates women who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education.
Mr Speaker, apart from my own personal fond memories as a member of this House, Parliament stands as a symbol of our democracy and its values.
It stands as a reminder to all of us that our country has chosen to travel on the path of democracy, and at the heart of that journey is the idea that the government can only govern with the consent of the people.
Speaker, it is important that we stress this point because after thirty years of democratic practice, we may be tempted to take it for granted.
We need to remind ourselves that our compatriots, the majority of whom are in their early adulthood, have no personal recollection of the struggles that got us to this point in our development.
In the same way that only a small percentage of our population can recall life under colonial rule, similarly the memory of dictatorship, one party rule and military rule is receding into the dim past, and the struggles that have brought us so far are disappearing into the recesses of history.
However, because Parliament directly represents the citizens of our nation in this hallowed chamber, it will always be the reminder of those struggles.
It is important we never forget that democracy is not a static achievement, but a process that needs continuous nurturing.
Indeed, Mr Speaker, we must remind ourselves that, in our country’s political history, it is the restoration of Parliament to its proper place that has always symbolised the restoration of power to the people.
And dare I say that when constitutional rule is interrupted, it is Parliament that is shut down, the other arms of government continue to operate.
Thirty years ago, this House convened for the first time to mark the commencement of the Fourth Republic.
The early years of the return to democracy were fraught with challenges, but the years have seen the deepening of our democratic culture to a point where a candidate of the minority side in Parliament, today, presides as the Speaker.
Given the way the numbers shaped up in this House after the 2020 elections, many cynics and sceptics predicted a doomsday scenario for this Parliament, but instead of a meltdown, we have witnessed considerable cooperation and unity of purpose among all parties and factions.
This is to a large extent a measure of the maturity of our political culture and democracy.
We will need even more of such bipartisan maturity to meet the challenges confronting us at this time.
Today, we live in a country in which we enjoy complete freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion and political affiliation.
Indeed, freedom of speech has now reached such heights that even members of the diplomatic corps feel able to join in our national discourse, and pronounce on matters that would be problematic for Ghanaian diplomats in their countries of origin.
Nevertheless, Mr Speaker, it seems to me the important thing in our free speech environment is actually to try and hear each other, instead of raising the decibel level of our individual points of view.
Speaker, to come before this House to deliver a Message on the State of the Nation is a symbol and practical demonstration of accountability, and I have always treated the occasion with utmost respect.
This address offers us, as usual, the opportunity to provide an honest assessment of our country’s situation, and seek the support of all in addressing it with hope and confidence.
Mr Speaker, when we make an assessment of what the state of our nation is, it would necessarily have to include what state it was in yesterday, the state it is in today and what state it would be in tomorrow, based on reasonable grounds of expectations.
How far back should we be looking to make a judgement on the state of affairs today?
Speaker, I believe that the issue, above all, that is, quite properly, dominating the concerns of all Ghanaians is the gravity of the economic situation of our country, and how we can quickly stabilise the economy, and work our way back to the period of rapid economic growth.
Our currency has been buffeted, our inflation rate has been very high, and, for the first time in our lives, debt exchanges have become the language of everyday conversation.
As such, Mr.
Speaker, I wish to make a departure from the usual format of Messages on the State of the Nation, and concentrate, predominantly, on the economy, which will enable me, nonetheless, also to make some statements about the state of our agriculture, education, energy, health, infrastructure, mining, tourism and security.
This is not to belittle the contribution of the other sectors to the growth of our country, but I believe the exigencies of the moment justify the position I am taking, particularly as all sector Ministers continue to provide official updates on happenings in their respective sectors.
I have said, and many others, including the Managing Director of the IMF, have said that our economy was doing well until COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine took us off course.
Maybe, because of the severity of the present difficulties, or maybe because it suits their preconceived agenda, some people are unwilling to accept that we were on a good trajectory until the arrival of COVID-19.
The Ghanaian people, however, accepted this proposition, as evidenced in the results of the 2020 presidential election, which were unanimously endorsed and upheld by the seven-member panel of the Supreme Court.
Mr Speaker, allow me to go back on a short trip down memory lane, and remind ourselves what things looked like back at the beginning of 2020, when I came to this House to give an account on the state of our nation.
This is what I told this House on 20th February 2020, and I quote: “Mr.
Speaker, in three years we have reduced inflation to its lowest level (7.8% in January 2020) since 1992.
For the first time in over forty (40) years, we have had a fiscal deficit below five percent (5%) of GDP for three years in a row.
For the first time in over twenty (20) years, the balance of trade (that is the difference between our exports and imports) has been in surplus for three (3) consecutive years.
Our current account deficit is shrinking, interest rates are declining, and the average annual rate of depreciation of the cedi is at its lowest for any first term government in the Fourth Republic.
Our economic growth has rebounded to place Ghana among the fastest growing economies in the world for three years in a row at an annual average of 7%, up from 3.4% in 2016, the lowest in nearly three decades.
The international investor community has recognised this development, resulting in Ghana, today, being the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in West Africa.
The sovereign credit ratings agencies have upgraded our ratings, and also improved the outlook for this year, notwithstanding the fact that it is an election year.”
Mr Speaker, that was where we were at the end of February 2020.
Three weeks after this speech, in which I expressed our sympathies and solidarity with China on the difficulties they were having with a new virus, our world changed.
The virus, I referred to, arrived in our country and in the rest of the world with a vengeance.
Within weeks, we were in the middle of a lockdown, our airports and land borders were closed.
Schools and factories and even markets were closed.
The hospitality industry was brought to its knees.
Our economy, like much of the rest of the world, went into a tailspin.
We took many decisions, we did many things which, according to the science, were the most reliable and trusted ways to save lives and livelihoods at the time, which may look strange and unnecessary today, but that is from the safe perspective of not waking up to check on the COVID-19 infection or death rate.
Indeed, there were some who suggested that we cancel the national identification registration exercise, and even postpone the 2020 general elections.
Who would have thought that, today, anybody will be questioning the fumigation of schools and markets?
I recall, vividly, the straight talking I received from a group of our most eminent physicians and other scientists on the urgency of fumigating all public spaces, including offices, schools, hospitals, markets, churches and mosques.
The few who could afford it fumigated their homes.
Today, the science might be that such measures make no difference to the spread of the virus, but criminality or reckless spending cannot be ascribed to the decision to undertake such measures.
Mr Speaker, you might remember that we could not produce veronica buckets fast enough.
Today, it is not an obligatory item on anyone’s list of purchases.
In dealing with the crisis generally, I did not meet anyone brave enough to suggest that considerations of money should be a hindrance to anything we needed to do in the fight against the virus.
I was and I am grateful that the people of Ghana rose to the occasion and, together, we went through the crisis and came out well by defying the doomsday predictions about the inevitability of dead bodies on our streets.
I am grateful that we saw the wisdom in helping each other, and I thank those who contributed their expertise, time and energy to the fight against the virus, and I thank those who contributed to the COVID-19 fund that was set up to help us meet some of the expenditures.
The economic consequences from the pandemic have been devastating.