Ghana and Italy are poised to expand their bilateral cooperation in technical and vocational training, higher education, research, and innovation to boost youth employment and strengthen human capital across the country.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) new office in Accra on Friday, October 9, the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, described the expansion as a vital step towards advancing sustainable development.
“The opening of this office is more than a new address in Accra. It reflects the strength of the partnership between Ghana and Italy, and our shared commitment to deepening cooperation for sustainable development,” Dr Apaak said.
Highlighting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a primary focus area, the Deputy Minister emphasised the need to equip Ghanaian youth with market-relevant skills to thrive in an evolving global economy.
“Ghana’s development depends on equipping young people with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing economy. We highly value our collaboration with Italy through initiatives such as RISE-G, INSPIRE and SEE,” he stated.
He noted that these collaborative initiatives are already making a visible impact by strengthening TVET infrastructure, enhancing the capacity of instructors, and creating clearer pathways for young people to secure employment aligned with their technical training.
Beyond vocational skills, Dr Apaak advocated for increased direct collaboration between Ghanaian and Italian universities to drive innovation, research exchange, and better align tertiary education with industry needs.
He reiterated that the Ministry of Education maintains an open-door policy and remains committed to working alongside AICS, the Italian Embassy, and international stakeholders to roll out fresh initiatives.
“I would encourage AICS and all our Italian partners to see the Ministry of Education as a willing and active collaborator in that effort, not merely a recipient of support,” he added.
The establishment of the new AICS regional presence in Accra is expected to serve as a strategic platform for broader development cooperation, with a sharp focus on youth skills development, educational development, and sustainable growth.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
