The economic rationale for the provision of technical/ vocational education (TVE) in colonial Ghana: Implications for practice

Abstract

The paper examines the economic rationale for the provision of technical and vocational education (TVE) in the Colonial Ghana. It highlights some key lessons drawn from the study, particularly in term of the Ghanaian contemporary search for a more pragmatic policy formulation for TVE. Data were retrieved from primary sources in the form of archival materials and some secondary sources, as well some interview sessions with two personalities who were actively involved in the provision of TVE during the period. Chronological and thematic analysis of the data was utilised. The study revealed that the missionary bodies and the colonial administration promoted TVE largely because of economic reasons. It further argues that this level of vigour could unfortunately not keep pace with the developmental needs of the country due mainly to factors such as negative perception towards TVE, the failure of successive governments to provide the requisite infrastructure and equipment for the steady promotion of TVE, lack of entrepreneurial training for graduates of the TVE institutions and virtual non-existence of local industries to absorb these graduates.