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/ vocational education (TVE) in colonial Ghana. It further 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 were utilized. The study revealed that the missionary bodies and the colonial administration vigorously promoted TVE largely because of economic reasons. It further argues that this level of vigor could not unfortunately keep pace with the developmental needs of the country due mainly to overriding interest in literary/grammar education, lack of entrepreneurial training for graduates of the TVE institutions and virtual non-existence of local industries to absorb these graduates.