John Dramani Mahama has announced that government has allocated GH¢100 million in the 2027 budget to support Ghana’s 10 technical universities as part of efforts to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities of Ghana (ARCTUG 2026) at Takoradi Technical University on Tuesday, May 26, President Mahama said each institution is expected to receive GH¢10 million to support infrastructure, innovation and skills development.
According to the President, the funding forms part of a broader government strategy aimed at positioning technical universities at the centre of Ghana’s industrialisation and economic transformation agenda.
Focus on Skills and Industrial Growth
President Mahama noted that 2026 marks exactly 10 years since the conversion of polytechnics into technical universities, stressing the need to adequately resource the institutions to help them fulfil their mandate effectively.
He described technical universities as critical institutions for producing the skilled workforce needed to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and industrial growth across the country.
The President, accompanied by vice-chancellors from all 10 technical universities, also toured research exhibitions and innovative projects developed by students and lecturers before officially opening the conference.
ARCTUG 2026 Highlights Research and Innovation
The biennial ARCTUG conference, organised under the auspices of the Vice-Chancellors of Technical Universities of Ghana, serves as a platform for policymakers, academics, industry players and development partners to discuss applied research and innovation.
This year’s conference, hosted by Takoradi Technical University, is expected to feature more than 276 research papers from participants within Ghana and abroad.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Advancing TVET for Innovation, Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development,” Vice-Chancellor John Frank Eshun called for increased investment and institutional support for technical universities.
Meanwhile, Haruna Iddrisu assured participants that the Ministry of Education remains committed to ensuring adequate funding for TVET education to maximise its contribution to national development.
Education stakeholders say the latest government commitment could help strengthen research, innovation and practical skills training within Ghana’s technical university system while supporting the country’s long-term industrialisation goals.
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