Afriyie Ankrah says vocational skills key to Ghana’s future
A new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution has been launched in honour of the late Dr. J. Kofi Turkson, brother of Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, to celebrate his lifelong commitment to education and service.
The school, which aims to equip young Ghanaians with employable skills, was officially inaugurated at a colourful ceremony graced by government officials, clergy, traditional leaders, and community members.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, described the initiative as a model for Ghana’s future development. He stressed that TVET holds the key to national transformation, citing the experiences of countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan that leveraged vocational skills to achieve rapid industrial growth.
“Dr. Turkson dedicated his life to education and empowerment. This school reflects his values and points us towards the path Ghana must take—one that prioritises skills and innovation over rhetoric,” Mr. Afriyie Ankrah said.
He added that while his new role as Presidential Envoy focuses on interfaith dialogue and national unity, he was particularly honoured to be associated with a project that embodied both education and service.
Cardinal Turkson, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed gratitude for the recognition of his brother’s contributions and said the TVET school would serve as a living legacy to inspire the next generation.
Community leaders also lauded the initiative, saying it would not only provide young people with practical skills but also reduce unemployment and strengthen local economic development.
The launch comes at a time when government and private stakeholders are renewing calls for greater investment in vocational education to bridge Ghana’s skills gap and boost industrial productivity.
