Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has stressed the need for Ghana to develop a skilled workforce to support the government's industrialisation agenda.

She said expanding manufacturing would require more skilled workers, including welders, electricians, machine operators, quality inspectors, and technicians capable of maintaining industrial equipment.

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Speaking at the 15th Ghana Economic Forum at the Labadi Beach Hotel on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, she said technical and vocational education and training, together with apprenticeship programmes, would be important in preparing young people for employment.

“Expanded manufacturing will require welders, electricians, machine operators, quality inspectors, and technicians who can maintain industrial equipment,” she stated.

She called on businesses to work closely with training institutions by providing practical experience and helping young people acquire the skills needed in the job market.

“Industry has an important role to play by working with our training institutions, providing practical experience, and helping prepare young people for employment,” she added.

The Vice President also highlighted ongoing efforts to support the government's 24-hour economy agenda through extended operations in the petroleum sector.

She said the National Petroleum Authority and the 24-hour Economy Authority launched a pilot programme to test round-the-clock operations at selected fuel stations and depots.

According to her, some fuel depots had since introduced additional shifts to support the initiative.

She further noted that President John Dramani Mahama had broken ground for a terminal integrated industrial park in June, which is expected to provide manufacturing, warehousing and logistics facilities close to major petroleum depots.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang said the financial sector would also have an important role in providing the resources needed to support productive businesses.

“Our business is to strengthen domestic industry, create more productive employment, and take full advantage of the regional markets available to us,” she said.

She expressed hope that discussions at the forum would produce practical proposals to strengthen cooperation between government, industry and the financial sector.

ANAS

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