The Government has officially absorbed the St. Matthew Technical Vocational Institute at Paga-Bayono in the Kassena-Nankana West District into the public education system, paving the way for the school to begin operations as a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution in the 2026/2027 academic year.
The move is expected to expand access to technical education and equip young people in the area with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
The institute, established by Reverend Father Albert Wuuga, Founder of Sharing God’s Blessing Ghana, with support from the Follman family in memory of late American philanthropist Mathew David Follman, will operate as both a boarding and day school under government management.
Rev. Fr. Wuuga announced the development during a visit to the facility by Pe Denis Belinia Aniakwa Adda Asagpare II.
He described the government takeover as the result of years of engagement with relevant authorities.
“This has not been an easy journey, but we are grateful that approval has finally been secured for the school to run as a TVET institution with boarding status,” he said.
The school is expected to admit its first batch of students in September 2026 and will initially offer programmes in Electrical Installation, Welding and Fabrication, and Hospitality Management.
Rev. Fr. Wuuga credited the Paramount Chief and the Ministry of Education for their support in helping secure government approval.
The institution, completed in 2022, boasts classrooms, dormitories, staff accommodation, an assembly hall, kitchen facilities, sanitation infrastructure, and mechanised boreholes to ensure reliable water supply.
The school forms part of broader community development projects spearheaded by Rev. Fr. Wuuga, including investments in basic education and healthcare delivery in the area.
Residents of Paga-Bayono and members of the Paga Youth Movement welcomed the announcement, describing it as a major breakthrough after years of advocacy.
Speaking on behalf of PAYOM President Wenawome D. Aborah, Vice President Frederick Wuuga said the community had consistently pushed for government support to operationalise the facility.
“We have advocated for this moment. The school was ready, but we needed government support to make it functional. Today, that effort has paid off,” he said.
The Paramount Chief praised the initiative and said the institute would become a major hub for skills training and youth empowerment in the district.
The takeover is expected to create new opportunities for young people in the area while supporting national efforts to reduce unemployment through technical and vocational training.
