The Ghanaian government has fulfilled its pledge to complete projects abandoned under previous regimes before undertaking new ones, according to Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. He made this statement during the commissioning of a 12-unit ultra-modern classroom block at Kikam Technical Institute in the Western Region. The project, which began in 1973 as a girls' dormitory, was left unfinished by successive governments until the contract was renewed by the Ghana Education Trust Fund in 2025.
The completed project is a testament to President John Dramani Mahama's commitment to completing abandoned projects before awarding new contracts. Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah, also the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, emphasized that this policy ensures the judicious use of national resources, avoids project duplication, and guarantees value for money. The government has committed significant resources to Kikam Technical Institute, transforming it into one of the best technical institutes in Ghana.
The Western Regional Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Anthony Oware Agyekum, praised President Mahama for revamping the abandoned project, elevating Kikam Technical Institute to a Category A institution. He noted that the Nzema enclave now boasts 10 technical institutes, surpassing the Greater Sekondi-Takoradi area, which has eight. The region has seen an increase in operational technical institutions from 18 in 2024 to 22.
Mr. Agyekum emphasized the need for every district to have a technical institute to utilize technical and vocational education as a tool to combat unemployment in Ghana. He appealed to local industries to create opportunities for technical institutes in the Nzema area to strengthen the link between industry and education. This, he believes, will empower the youth and transform the nation.
The Principal of Kikam Technical Institute, Emmanuel A. Anomah, expressed gratitude to Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah for his numerous interventions in the school. He requested a new pick-up vehicle, an asphalt overlay of access roads, and a 12-unit toilet facility to accommodate the increasing enrolment. Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah also pledged to donate seven industrial machines and lobby for a pick-up van for the institute.
The government's commitment to completing abandoned projects has been reiterated, with a focus on ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively. The completion of the Kikam Technical Institute project is a demonstration of this pledge. The institute is expected to play a crucial role in providing technical education and training to students in the region.
The project completion is part of a broader effort to improve education and reduce unemployment in Ghana. The government's focus on technical and vocational education is expected to empower the youth and contribute to the nation's transformation. Key stakeholders, including the government, industries, and educational institutions, are working together to ensure that technical education becomes a key tool in ending unemployment in Ghana.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has completed an abandoned 12-unit classroom block at Kikam Technical Institute.
- The project completion demonstrates the government's commitment to finishing stalled projects before undertaking new ones.
- The government aims to expand access to technical education and train more graduates as entrepreneurs to reduce unemployment.
