Sebastian Deh appointed TVETS Governing Council Chairman - Trailblazer returns to drive national skills transformation
The recent appointment of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kpando, Sebastian Deh, as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service (TVETS), has been met with widespread acclaim from educators, industry players, stakeholders, and the people of Kpando.
His selection is a strong statement: Ghana is appointing one of its most effective architects of TVET reforms to lead and build upon a foundation he helped establish through years of dedicated service.
As a former Executive Director of the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET), Mr Deh oversaw significant policy and institutional reforms that transformed the technical education sector in Ghana.
His work experience
Mr Deh assumes this oversight role with considerable knowledge, experience, and an innate drive to complement the extensive expertise and quality of the members, all with a shared focus on transforming Ghana through TVET.
Under his leadership, the sector adopted and implemented Competency-Based Training (CBT) across public institutions, introduced the National TVET Qualifications Framework, and launched the Skills Development Fund, which awarded grants to small, medium, and large-scale industries in support of skills upgrading for approximately 100,000 employees and master craft persons.
These interventions significantly enhanced the relevance and quality of technology institutions in developing innovative technology required by industry to remain efficient and competitive in the global arena.
Mr Deh’s vision for this sector therefore dovetails perfectly with that of the Ghana TVETS, which is committed to empowering Ghanaian youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to help build a brighter future and bridge the gap between education and industry, while creating a seamless transition for young people into the world of work.
A fervent supporter of strategic policy and innovation, Mr Deh played a vital role in advancing landmark initiatives such as the 10-Year Strategic Plan and the Technical Universities Bill.
He was also pivotal in promoting market-driven training models by introducing modular short courses such as solar PV installation, ICT device servicing, and automotive diagnostics, which offered young people quick access to income-generating opportunities while maintaining national certification standards.
Work at Constituency
In the Kpando constituency, Mr Deh translated this national vision into community impact. At the Kpando Technical Institute (KPANTECH), he introduced specialised training programmes in electronics and ICT, which continued to empower young people with hands-on skills.
He helped equip the ICT lab at the Sovie Technical Institute (Sovtech) and facilitated scholarships for 90 female students in electronics.
These efforts, along with his broader developmental interventions, including the provision of boreholes, clinic facilities and libraries, demonstrate his commitment to both educational transformation and inclusive local development.
On a broader national scope, Mr Deh has reaffirmed the essence of TVET, making it responsive, inclusive and market-relevant.
Return
His return as Chairman of the Governing Council for the Ghana TVETS, the agency responsible for equipping a vital number of Ghanaian youth with relevant skills for industry, is a well-deserved recognition and a testament to his expertise and visionary leadership throughout his years of public service.
For the people of Kpando, Mr Deh’s appointment is not only a national honour, but an opportunity for him to bring to bear his vast experience in the area of Ghana’s skills transformation agenda once again.
This in no doubt will be a huge catalyst to President John Mahama’s flagship 24 Hour economy policy.
May the Almighty God guide him with wisdom and strength as he undertakes this challenging and demanding national task of delivering TVET that fosters creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship to meet industry demands for sustainable national development.
