Pelpuo calls for independent commission to oversee Ghana’s public sector remuneration

The German government has pledged $132 million to support skills development and workplace training for young people in Ghana, according to Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, the Minister of State at the Presidency in charge of Special Presidential Initiatives. This funding will be divided among several initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between young people's technical skills and available employment opportunities.

A significant portion of the funding, $82 million, will be used to recruit young individuals who already possess skills and place them in workplaces where they can gain practical experience. Dr Pelpuo revealed that these discussions with German officials culminated in the agreement for Germany to contribute this substantial sum towards training programs.

The initial $82 million will also be utilized to support participants while they work with companies, ensuring they can enhance their skills without imposing a financial burden on employers. Monthly support will be provided to trainees during their employment, allowing them to improve their abilities steadily.

Following their tenure, participating companies have the option to absorb these trainees into their workforce if they prove valuable. However, even if not absorbed, these individuals will still gain valuable experience and skills, potentially enabling them to establish themselves independently.

The remaining $50 million will be dedicated to establishing a university solely focused on skills development. This marks the first time such a university will be established in Ghana, dedicated explicitly to equipping young people with the necessary skills for the job market. Dr Pelpuo emphasized that this initiative is part of broader efforts to close the gap between young people's technical capabilities and the employment opportunities available to them.