General News

Education Minister Inaugurates GNRF Board, UMaT Council, and TVET Week Committee to Boost Innovation and Skills Development

6th June 2025

By Ellis Ferdinand | June 4, 2025

Accra, Ghana – In a strategic move to deepen innovation, research, and technical education in Ghana, the Minister for Education, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, on Tuesday inaugurated three pivotal governance bodies. The ceremony, held in Accra, saw the induction of:

The Governing Board of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF)
The Governing Council of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT)
The Planning Committee for the 2025 TVET Week Celebration

These bodies, the Minister said, are central to Ghana’s transformation into a knowledge-based and skills-driven economy.

🔬 Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) Board

Describing the inauguration as a “milestone in Ghana’s research and innovation journey,” Hon. Iddrisu underscored the Board’s responsibility in strengthening evidence-based policymaking and advancing scientific excellence.

“This Board must become a beacon of academic empowerment and national relevance,” he charged.

The GNRF is expected to catalyze high-impact research in priority sectors including health, agriculture, climate, education, and technology. The Minister emphasized fairness, transparency, and strategic alignment with national development goals in the disbursement of research funds.

⚙️ University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) Governing Council

In swearing in the new Governing Council of UMaT, the Minister challenged the members to position the university as a continental hub for excellence in mining, engineering, and applied sciences.

“UMaT must lead the charge in developing the human capital needed for a thriving industrial economy,” Hon. Iddrisu declared.

With Ghana’s minerals and energy sectors attracting renewed international attention, the Council is expected to provide strong academic and administrative leadership to drive innovation, sustainability, and industry-research collaboration.

🛠️ 2025 TVET Week Planning Committee

Turning to skills development, Hon. Iddrisu inaugurated the Planning Committee for the 2025 TVET Week Celebration, urging them to make the event a national rebranding of technical and vocational education.

“Let TVET Week 2025 be a turning point in how Ghanaians view technical education,” he said.

The Committee is tasked with showcasing success stories, advancing youth awareness, and promoting industry partnerships to reposition TVET as a prestigious and practical pathway to employment and entrepreneurship.

🧭 A Unified Vision for Reform

Tuesday’s inaugurations reflect the Ministry of Education’s renewed commitment to “4Rs” — Reform, Research, Relevance, and Results. From cutting-edge research to hands-on training, these governance structures are expected to steer Ghana’s education system toward innovation, equity, and global competitiveness.

As Ghana navigates the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, these leadership bodies will play a crucial role in building an education system that is responsive to the needs of both learners and the economy.