A study commissioned by UNICEF Ghana in collaboration with the Government of Ghana has revealed that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in the Ashanti Region are grappling with serious funding challenges, even after the introduction of the free TVET policy in 2021/2022.
The report shows that the policy, while easing the financial burden on parents and learners, has simultaneously reduced internally generated income for institutions, creating a large financing gap. Income for training institutions in the region fell from GH₵2,726,389.68 in 2019/2020 to GH₵2,397,237.80 in 2021/2022, the very year the free TVET policy took effect. By 2022/2023, there was a modest rebound, but it still left schools facing a staggering 98% deficit between income and expenditure, raising questions about how institutions are coping with the shortfall.
The study found that public Technical Institutions (TIs) are mainly constrained by the cost of consumables and materials for practical training, which form the core of skills delivery. In some cases, trainees reported being asked to bring their own items for demonstrations due to delays in government disbursements. One participant from Offinso Technical Institute confirmed that “students are sometimes required to contribute to cover consumables,” undermining the intent of free training.
On the other hand, private institutions face an even heavier burden, as they must finance not only training materials but also staff salaries and administrative costs. This dual expense makes the cost of training much higher for private-sector learners, with fees ranging widely across programmes. According to the study, cosmetology emerged as the most expensive trade, costing between GH₵5,200 and GH₵9,250 per semester, while fields like catering, hospitality management, and electrical engineering were more affordable, drawing larger numbers of learners. Training in fashion design technology was noted as starting from as little as GH₵187, but costs rose substantially at advanced levels.
Despite these challenges, the study highlights the importance of TVET in national development. The Ashanti Region alone reported 43 trades offered by technical institutions, with 18 providing detailed cost breakdowns during the survey. These include priority areas such as garment construction, electrical installation, plumbing, building and construction, furniture making, and hospitality management, all of which are critical for Ghana’s industrialization and job creation agenda.
The findings underscore a paradox: while the free TVET policy has expanded access and reduced costs for learners, the financing model underpinning the system has weakened institutional sustainability. Stakeholders warn that without consistent and timely government releases — alongside innovative financing models — institutions risk being unable to provide quality training, thereby threatening Ghana’s ambition to build a skilled and competitive workforce.
The study concludes that bridging this funding gap is essential not only for sustaining TVET institutions but also for ensuring that Ghana’s youth, particularly in regions like Ashanti, can access practical, industry-relevant training that leads to employment and economic growth.
