St. Paul Technical School (SPATS) at Akyem-Kukurantumi, Abuakwa North Municipality, Eastern Region, has held its 3rd Graduation Ceremony for students who completed various Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.
The colourful ceremony brought together policymakers, traditional leaders, old students, education stakeholders, parents, and other dignitaries to celebrate the graduands.
Guest speaker: “The era of skilled youth is here”
Speaking as Guest Speaker, Prof. Prince Boateng, Principal of Ada College of Education, urged graduates to take pride in their technical skills and contribute to Ghana’s economic transformation.
Addressing the gathering under the theme “TVET: Skilled Youth, Strong Nation,” Prof. Boateng said technical education is no longer an alternative pathway but a critical driver of national development.
“The era of looking down on technical education is dead. The era of the skilled youth is officially here,” he declared.
Citing China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore, he noted those economies were built through deliberate investment in technical skills.
“In a world where artificial intelligence cannot fix drainage systems, weld bridges, or install solar panels, skilled technicians remain indispensable,” he said.
Prof. Boateng described TVET graduates as the backbone of Ghana’s economy:
“When the lights go out in a politician’s house, he does not call a philosopher; he calls an electrician. He calls you,” he told the graduands.
He charged them to uphold integrity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and to become job creators. He also appealed to policymakers, including the Abuakwa North MP and MCE, to increase investment in TVET and STEM through affordable start-up support, flexible credit, and stronger industry partnerships.
Principal and old students commend graduates
The ceremony, held on May 26, 2026, celebrated students who completed programmes in welding, electrical installation, fashion design, building technology, hospitality, and other technical trades.
SPATS Principal, Mr. Teye-Bi-Teye Agualey, congratulated the graduates and described them as key contributors to Ghana’s future growth and industrial development.
“Technical and vocational education remains one of the most effective tools for tackling unemployment and empowering youth with practical, entrepreneurial skills,” he said.
“You are leaving this institution not only with certificates but with skills that can transform lives, communities, and the nation,” he added.
Mr. Agualey urged them to stay disciplined and pursue excellence: “Go out there with confidence and determination. The future belongs to those prepared to use their hands, minds, and creativity to solve problems.”
Ing. Charles N. Amoako, President of the St. Paul Technical School Old Students Association (SPATSOSA), also commended the graduands for their hard work and resilience.
“The world today values skills and innovation. What you have acquired here gives you an advantage to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
He encouraged them to remain ambassadors of the school by upholding discipline, professionalism, and integrity.
Parents and guests expressed excitement over the graduates’ achievements and the growing impact of TVET education in Ghana.
Prof. Boateng closed with the school motto, Carpe Diem — “Seize the Day”: “Go out into the world. Wire the future. Build the dream. Sew the fabric of success.”
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
