Articles by Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie

World

Stronger industry–training collaboration key to driving Ghana’s electric mobility agenda – CTVET’s Kwame Zu

The Deputy Director-General of the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), Mr Anthony Seyram Kwame Zu, has called for closer collaboration between industry and training institutions to build Ghana’s capacity for Electric Vehicle (EV) repair and maintenance. He made the call while delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Director-General of CTVET at the National Dialogue on Electric Vehicle Repair and Maintenance, held at the Oak Plaza Hotel in Accra under the theme: “Powering the Future: Developing a Framework for EV Repair and Maintenance in Ghana.” Mr Zu noted that the transition to electric mobility is no longer a question of if, but how fast and how effectively Ghana can adapt. He explained that the country’s move toward EV adoption aligns with the National Energy Transition Plan and the National Electric Vehicle Policy, both of which aim to reduce emissions, promote clean energy, and create green jobs for the youth. “The role of CTVET is to ensure that our workforce is equipped with skills that match industry demand, not just for today’s jobs but for the emerging opportunities of tomorrow,” he stated. “Through our competency-based training reforms, curriculum development, and partnerships with training providers, we are building a TVET system that is agile, responsive, and future-ready.” He highlighted that CTVET is reorienting training standards, upgrading equipment in technical institutions, and retraining instructors to handle EV systems, diagnostics, and safety protocols. In addition, the Commission is developing new occupational standards that align with global benchmarks while remaining relevant to Ghana’s context. Mr Zu emphasised that no single institution can drive this transformation alone. The pace of change in the automotive industry requires close collaboration between the public and private sectors. He cited ongoing partnerships between CTVET and private players such as DriveEVGH, Hollard, and Skillify Africa as examples of how government and industry can work together to design short courses, practical training modules, and internship opportunities for artisans and technicians. “Together, we can bridge the traditional gap between classrooms and workshops to ensure that what we teach reflects what the market demands,” he added. Also present at the event was the Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing clean energy and ensuring that the workforce is adequately skilled to support Ghana’s electric mobility transition. Participants at the dialogue discussed strategies for curriculum development, workforce readiness, safety standards, and sustainable maintenance practices within Ghana’s emerging EV ecosystem. The forum also provided a platform for policymakers, training institutions, and private sector representatives to share ideas on building a comprehensive national framework for EV repair and maintenance. Mr Zu concluded by urging all stakeholders to treat the dialogue not merely as a one-day event, but as a call to action toward creating a skilled, innovative, and sustainable workforce that will drive Ghana’s green transformation. “Let us build a future where our artisans are competitive, our youth are empowered, and our economy is driven by skills, innovation, and sustainability,” he said. The dialogue, organised by CTVET in partnership with DriveEVGH, Hollard, and Skillify Africa, is part of Ghana’s broader efforts to prepare its workforce for the global shift to electric mobility.