Ghana Launches School Business Program in 25 TVET Schools

Students at technical schools across Ghana's Ashanti Region are now learning business skills by launching and running real enterprises on their campuses.

The Ghana TVET Service partnered with UK-based RANT Academy to launch the School Enterprise Project in Kumasi. The program gives students hands-on experience managing small businesses while still in school, turning classrooms into launchpads for future entrepreneurs.

Twenty-five of the region's 38 technical and vocational schools are participating in the pilot phase. Each school has been directed to set up student entrepreneurship clubs and develop businesses that match their local environment and opportunities.

Richard Addo-Gyamfi, Ashanti Regional Director of Ghana TVET Service, says the timing couldn't be better. Ghana is working hard to make vocational education more attractive and aligned with what employers actually need.

"We want to make the teaching and learning of entrepreneurship very practical," Addo-Gyamfi explained. Schools are instructed to identify viable business opportunities where students can get directly involved based on local strengths and resources.

The shift is already working. TVET enrollment has climbed steadily over the past five years, with some schools now facing capacity constraints due to growing demand. Public perception is changing from viewing vocational schools as backup options to recognizing them as pathways to real careers.

The Ripple Effect

The program addresses a challenge that reaches far beyond the classroom. Lizzy Lambie, founder of RANT Academy, says Ghanaian youth have tremendous entrepreneurial spirit but often look abroad for opportunities instead of building sustainable businesses at home.

"When we started this programme, the students' first request was for us to take them to the UK to work after graduation," Lambie shared. She encouraged them to recognize that the skills and resources available in Ghana could help them achieve much more locally.

RANT Academy also introduced the "Rant Passport," a digital platform connecting TVET students with potential employers. Students can upload profiles, work experience, and video CVs showcasing practical projects, making it easier for companies to assess their real-world skills.

At the launch event, outstanding students and facilitators received citations and plaques for their participation in the entrepreneurship clubs. The recognition celebrates early adopters who are proving the model works and inspiring others to follow.

Organizers expect the initiative to strengthen practical skills training, reduce graduate unemployment, and promote youth-led enterprise development across Ghana.