The leadership of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Ghana, led by its President, Engr. Henry Kwadwo Boateng, on Friday paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu.
The meeting aimed to deliberate on key strategies to strengthen engineering, technical, and vocational education in Ghana.
Held at the Ministry of Education, the meeting was highly productive, with both parties expressing a strong commitment to collaborative action towards enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The IET-Ghana delegation included Engr. Seth Ayim, Executive Director; Engr. Madina Seidu Adams, Vice Chairperson of Women in Engineering (WIE); Engr. Dr. Eduful, Chairman of the Electrical and Electronics Division; and Engr. Nyamekye, IET-Ghana Representative at Accra Technical University.
Discussions centered on a range of policy and developmental issues, including improving the quality and reach of engineering education nationwide and introducing technical and vocational education at the basic school level to guide pupils in making informed career decisions from an early stage.
The meeting also focused on addressing infrastructure funding challenges facing engineering and TVET institutions, promoting stronger alignment between industry requirements and academic training to improve the employability of graduates, fostering international partnerships, and enhancing access to research funding for engineering institutions.
Other topics included establishing engineering innovation, technology, and mentoring centers in all regions to support innovation and mentorship, ensuring equitable representation, particularly of women, on boards and committees of engineering licensing bodies, changing negative perceptions surrounding technical and vocational education (particularly the notion that it is only suitable for individuals with low academic abilities), and integrating TVET programs into traditional grammar school curricula to broaden access and interest.
Engr. Boateng expressed optimism about the Ministry’s commitment to supporting these initiatives, describing the meeting as a significant step towards repositioning technical and engineering education to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.
On his part, the Minister welcomed the proposals and assured the IET-Ghana leadership of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate towards realizing these goals.
The engagement forms part of IET-Ghana’s broader advocacy efforts aimed at influencing policy and deepening stakeholder collaboration in promoting engineering and technical education in Ghana.