The Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah has called for the abolishment of English, Science and Maths as requirement to admit Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students to the country's second cycle institutions.

Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah has expressed concern that the criteria of English, Maths, and Science for TVET admission is limiting students' potential and truncating their forward match.

He made this expression at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Biriwa Technical Institute (BIRITECH) earmarked on the theme, "Transforming TVET for Sustainable National Development: The Role of TVET Institutions."

The Regional Minister has advocated for a more inclusive approach to TVET admission, considering other relevant subjects and skills which aims to provide opportunities for students with diverse strengths and interests.

Director-General of the Ghana TVET Service, Engr. Dr. Eric Kofi Adzroe, having graced the occasion admonished TVET institutions in the country, particularly BIRITECH that their role goes beyond solely technical training but must foster innovation, entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship, ensuring that graduands are adaptable, responsible and are ready to birth industrial growth without compromising the planet.

He emphasized that the talk on strengthening TVET Education in the country, connotes strengthening the very foundation of national development, since TVET appears the only way to Ghana's transformation.

Engr. Samuel Kwashie Amegbor, Principal of Biriwa Technical Institute in his address, commended government for making TVET Education free and accessible enough for all in the country, which reflect government's strengthened commitment to skilled development and industry growth.

He, however, noted that this has increased the national TVET enrollment by nearly 193% since 2020. Thus, drastically increased enrollment of the school from an annual average of 380 learners from 2010-2020 to an annual enrollment of 675 students from 2021-2024, constituting 177% increment in enrollment at BIRITECH.

The Principal further echoed that this has consequently led to a noticeable demand in the institute's facilities, as it now suffers insufficient classroom blocks leading to congestions and ineffective teaching and learning.

He highlighted the institute's inadequacy to dormitory facilities affecting learners accommodation and safety, insufficient staff accommodation on campus, lack of assembly hall and multipurpose dormitory for gatherings and examination.

Engr. Kwashie Amegbor again bemoaned the school's inadequate dinning hall space, insufficient ICT Lab and digital learning facility, limited workshop equipment and tools for effective practical training, insufficient library and infirmary facility, unfenced school environment exposing learners and facility to external risk and encroachment of the school land.

Biriwa Technical Institute through its 50th anniversary celebration has extended a heartfelt invitation to all stakeholders to come to its aid to support the institute's legacy project on the construction of a 700-capacity dormitories for its learners and also seek support for the construction of a 1,000 mono desks to enhance effective training.

Sompaonline.com//Eric Annan