Accra, October 22, 2026: The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has urged technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and digital literacy into their programmes to prepare young people for the changing world of work.
Dr Audrey Amoah, Director-General of the NDPC, said digital technologies, automation and artificial intelligence were changing occupational tasks and the skills employers required, making it necessary for training institutions to adapt their curricula.
She made the call at the Sixth Annual Precision Quality Convening in Accra, organised by the Design and Technology Institute (DTI), the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, and the Mastercard Foundation.
The event, held under the theme “Human Capital at Work”, examined Ghana's emerging human capital development strategy and the measures needed to prepare people for employment, enterprise development and improved productivity.
Education must translate into employment and productive work
Amoah said Ghana needed to move beyond measuring educational progress solely through enrolment and completion rates to examine whether graduates could secure jobs, earn decent incomes, establish viable businesses and contribute to economic productivity.
She stressed that young people needed opportunities not only to acquire knowledge and skills but also to apply them, continue learning and participate in an increasingly digital economy.
According to her, the country's challenge was not necessarily a lack of policies, institutions or ideas, but the need to connect these elements to deliver measurable improvements in human development and productivity.
She said an effective human capital system required sustained investment in children's development, relevant learning, training aligned with current and emerging labour market needs, enterprise growth and shared institutional responsibility.
The NDPC's position places emphasis on the relationship between education and the practical outcomes young people experience after completing their training.
AI skills are becoming increasingly important
The Commission's call comes amid changes in the nature of work as businesses and industries adopt digital tools and automated systems.
For TVET institutions, integrating AI and digital literacy would mean preparing learners to understand and use technologies relevant to their occupations, rather than relying exclusively on traditional technical instruction.
The wider challenge is ensuring that training programmes respond to employers' needs and equip graduates to adapt as technologies and job requirements evolve.
The convening provided a platform for participants to examine existing interventions, identify gaps and discuss opportunities to expand successful human capital development initiatives nationally.
Government and private sector urged to work together
George Opare Addo, Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, reaffirmed the government's commitment to working with the private sector to equip young people with skills that would make them productive.
He commended the DTI for its investment in youth development and encouraged students to take their education and training seriously.
Constance Swaniker, Founder and President of the DTI, called for stronger foundations for Ghana's draft Human Capital Development Strategy.
She said the strategy needed further refinement before submission to Cabinet as the country worked to address weaknesses in its human capital development system.
The discussions highlighted the need to link education, technical training, digital skills and employment opportunities more closely so that young people can translate their learning into sustainable livelihoods and contribute to national development.
