Ghana’s Vocational Training: Can Germany’s Dual VET Model Inspire Change?

Through the enlightenment I have gained regarding this system by virtue of my work, I have been asking myself this question in the last couple of years. I have been thinking about whether Ghana’s TVET system could benefit from Germany’s structured approach, where the local Chambers of Commerce (IHKs) —79 of them spread across the 16 states —oversee quality assurance, certification, and training standards. What if, instead of a centralized model, Ghana’s district assemblies for instance were tasked with managing TVET? Could this system work?

Understanding the Management of Germany’s Dual VET System

Germany’s VET model is built on strong collaboration between the government, businesses, and educational institutions. Under the Vocational Training Act, the Chambers of Commerce (IHKs) are responsible for organizing and regulating vocational education, ensuring that training aligns with industry needs, and issuing recognized certifications. This system produces highly skilled workers and bridges the gap between education and employment.

Could This Model Work in Ghana?

If Ghana were to adopt a similar system, but with district assemblies playing the role of IHKs, we would see a shift in responsibility to local governments. This approach, in my opinion, presents several opportunities and potential benefits.

Potential Benefits

1. Localized Training Programs – District assemblies understand the economic and labor needs of their districts and could tailor vocational programs accordingly. A district focused on agriculture, for instance, could prioritize agribusiness-related training. For example, the Komenda district in the central region, known for its farming activities in sugarcane, could introduce specialized programs in mechanized sugarcane farming and processing across the whole value chain.
2. Stronger and Better Industry Linkages – Decentralization and close engagement with local businesses and training institutions can improve internship and employment opportunities and ensure that training remains relevant to job market demands.
3. Enhanced Monitoring and Accountability – Localized management and governance by the district assemblies could lead to better oversight and monitoring of vocational training institutions and standards at the grassroots level.
4. Economic Growth and Job Creation – The alignment of training with local industry needs could boost employment rates and drive economic development at the district level which will have a positive net effect nationally.

Despite the benefits that could be gained from this arrangement, it is important to note that there will be challenges and risks. Notable among them are limited technical and financial resources, bureaucratic inefficiencies caused by delayed decision-making and policy implementation.

Making It Work

For Ghana to successfully adopt elements of the German VET model, it would be essential to strike a balance between national standardization and local implementation. A few key steps could help achieve this;

1. Leveraging the Existing Central Regulatory Body: Ghana already has a central body, the Commission for TVET responsible for certification and standards. District assemblies can oversee the local implementation of these standards.
2. Establish TVET Directorates in District Assembly Offices : A dedicated TVET directorate within each district assembly office can be establish to oversee training programs, coordinate with local businesses, and ensure alignment with national policies.
3. Invest in capacity-building for district assemblies, equipping them with the expertise to manage TVET effectively.
4. Encourage private-sector partnerships: Businesses play a crucial role in vocational training. Since businesses in Ghana are legally required to register with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), this framework can be leveraged to mandate their participation in TVET programs, such as offering apprenticeships, curriculum development and funding.

While Ghana may not be able to copy how Germany manages its VET system, there is great potential in adopting a decentralized approach with strong local governance. By ensuring standardization, securing funding, and fostering public-private partnerships, we can create a vocational training system that meets the demands of its growing economy.