The Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has called on young Ghanaians to reconsider their perceptions about technical and vocational careers, emphasizing that the future of sustainable employment lies increasingly in skilled trades rather than traditional office jobs.

He made the remarks during the launch of the Japan-Ghana AutoConnect: Skills Beyond Borders Service Programme in Accra on March 12, 2026, an initiative designed to equip youth with practical automotive skills and prepare them for opportunities in both local and international labour markets.

Speaking at the event, Opare Addo noted that many young people continue to focus primarily on white-collar careers, despite the growing demand for technically skilled workers.

According to him, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) offers viable and sustainable employment pathways, especially for young people who may not transition into tertiary education.

He encouraged secondary school graduates and other youth to explore the numerous opportunities within Ghana’s technical and vocational training ecosystem, stressing that practical skills remain a lifelong asset.

“Skills acquired through technical training cannot easily be taken away, and they provide a strong foundation for long-term employment and entrepreneurship,” the minister stated.

Opare Addo highlighted ongoing collaboration between the Ministry, the Ghana TVET Service, and Green Auto Factory Aichi to strengthen apprenticeship programmes and provide hands-on industry training.
He explained that rapid changes in the automotive industry, particularly the emergence of electric vehicles, are making it necessary for technicians to upgrade their skills to remain competitive.

Through initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Programme, the government aims to provide young people with practical training that aligns with industry needs while enabling them to establish their own businesses.

The minister revealed that Ghana’s automotive sector currently employs about 300,000 people, making it a critical area for skills development.

Under the Japan-Ghana AutoConnect initiative, participants will undergo three months of Japanese language instruction followed by six months of specialized automotive training. Successful trainees will earn Level 3 automobile mechanic certifications and may also access overseas employment opportunities, particularly in Japan, under Ghana’s labour mobility programmes.

A representative from the Embassy of Japan in Ghana, speaking on behalf of Ambassador Yoshimoto Hiroshi, reiterated Japan’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s human capital development.

The official explained that the programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry requirements while equipping young people with modern technical competencies.

The project, spearheaded by Green Auto Factory Aichi in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment and the Ghana Technical and Industrial Development Trust, seeks to train up to 100,000 young people over the next decade.

Beyond employment creation, the embassy representative noted that improved technical training in vehicle maintenance would contribute to enhanced road safety and reduced air pollution in the country.

Participants were also encouraged to adopt the Japanese concept of Kaizen, a philosophy that promotes continuous improvement through consistent, incremental changes.

President of Green Auto Factory Aichi Ghana Ltd, Osuki Yusuke, emphasised the importance of practical competence in the workforce.

He noted that individuals who develop hands-on technical skills are better positioned to succeed in modern industries and contribute meaningfully to economic development.

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