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Government trains 19,000 apprentices and master craft persons in seven years

The Government of Ghana through the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) has trained over 19,000 master craft persons and apprentices since 2018 under the Ghana TVET Voucher Project (GTVP).

According to Mr. Albert Opare, Head of Corporate Affairs for CTVET, the Ghana TVET Voucher project (GTVP) is a project under the Ghanaian-German Financial Development Cooperation, co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank and the Government of Ghana.

The Commission for Technical Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) is the implementing agency.

Out the 19,000 plus people, 13,883 representing 73% are females, whilst 5,179 are males. GTVP and provides demand-driven training vouchers to CTVET-registered master craft persons, their apprentices and workers.

The vouchers are used to fund competency-based training (CBT) courses in CTVET–accredited training institutions for certification in National Proficiency Levels I and II and Certificate I and II respectively.

Mr. Opare indicated that, the beneficiaries received the training in skills areas such as, automotive repairs, cosmetology, garment, welding, consumer electronics, plumbing, electrical installation, block laying and furniture making.

Mr. Opare was interacting with the media as part of an official visit to the Dabokpa Technical Institute, once of the beneficiary institutions of the project.He indicated that, government plans to expand the project even further and has secured additional funding of $60 million dollars from the World Bank and $40 million Euros from the German Government through KFW Bank to train at least 50,000 more beneficiaries over the next five years.

In concluding, he indicated that, in addition to the training provided, the GTVP project has had a very positive impact on the TVET system in Ghana.

Key among them being that, numerous training institutions have been encouraged through the project to register with CTVET and are keen to achieve official accreditation for CBT implementation. Also, it has resulted in trade associations and informal sector training providers being encouraged to register withCTVET.

Furthermore, through the project, Ghana has witnessed the Competency Based Training (CBT) approach being implemented on a large scale for a large number of Ghanaian youths.

Moreover, we have witnessed the modernization of traditional apprenticeship system in Ghana through the implementation of the project. Finally, the project has strengthened CTVET as the regulatory body for TVET in Ghana.

BY LAWRENCE MARKWEI, DABOKPA

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Zipline, GHS reduce maternal mortality in Ashanti Region by 56.4% – Study

A recent impact assessment study on aerial logistics to improve maternal health and emergencies has revealed a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality by 56.4% in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Zipline and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

This was revealed at the National Ghana Health Service Research Conference organized by the Ghana Health Service in partnership with Zipline. The study, which focused on the impact of aerial logistics in healthcare, also noted a 19.9% increase in antenatal visits and a 25% rise in in-facility births, signaling a significant boost in maternal health outcomes.

The success according to the study is attributed to the on-demand availability of blood and essential medical supplies provided by Zipline’s innovative drone delivery system. This consistent access to critical resources has increased patient confidence in the healthcare system, encouraging more mothers to seek necessary care throughout their pregnancies.

Speaking on the highlight of the study, the Research Officer at Ashanti Regional Health Directorate stated, “the significant decrease in maternal mortality we’ve seen is a clear indication of the vital role that reliable access to medical supplies plays in healthcare. The ability to deliver blood and essential medicines exactly when they’re needed has transformed how mothers in the Ashanti Region perceive and engage with the healthcare system.”

“It’s an achievement that speaks to the importance of introducing technology in healthcare delivery. Mothers now feel more confident in seeking care, knowing that they will receive the support they need throughout their pregnancies,”he stated.

The study examined data from 191 health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and Community-based Health and Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds. Among these, 99 facilities were served by Zipline’s aerial logistics, while 91 were not. The research employed adjusted rates for various key indicators, such as antenatal consultations, emergency visits, referrals, live births, hysterectomies, maternal deaths, and neonatal deaths, as the main dependent variables.

The qualitative aspect of the study aimed to describe and analyze the changes in satisfaction levels among healthcare providers and patients, perceived quality of care in maternal health and emergencies, and experiences related to the use of aerial logistics. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 patients and 23 healthcare providers at the participating facilities.

Globally, maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge, with stark disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of maternal deaths occur in LMICs, often due to preventable causes. In Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region, the problem is critical, reflecting the broader challenges faced across the African continent. Beyond this, socio-economic, geographic, and infrastructural factors intensify the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.

As maternal mortality continues to pose a challenge in low-to-middle-income countries, the success seen in Ghana’s Ashanti Region offers a promising model for other regions and nations striving to improve maternal health outcomes through innovative solutions.

Zipline is poised to continue leading the way in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, ensuring that every mother has access to the life-saving resources, no matter where she lives.

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Traders, ‘Okada’ riders take over Circle pavement

• Korle-Bu CEO with staff of Nivaansh MediQas

Activities of traders and drug addicts are contributing to make the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle) area very uncomfortable and unsafe for commuters.

Day in and out, pedestrians are ‘ejected’ from the pavement created for their safety as traders preferred to sell their wares on that space.

Staff of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) showcasing their work

That hinders the free movement of the pedestrians.

The small space left for the pedestrians are also shared with ‘Okada’ riders.

As if these woes are not enough for a commuter on a single day, they also have to navigate carefully to avoid clashes with drug addicts and the mentally challenged.