Parents Urged to Prioritize Children’s Interests in SHS and TVET Choices

Educationist and private researcher Osman Salifu has advised parents against imposing course choices on their children preparing to enter Senior High School (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

Speaking on Info Radio’s Info Weekend Watch following the release of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination results and the ongoing school selection process, Mr. Salifu emphasized the importance of parents discussing school and program options with their children. However, he stressed that the final decision should reflect the children’s interests, abilities, and career aspirations.

He noted that Ghana’s education system is undergoing significant reforms aimed at equipping young people with both academic qualifications and practical skills. Mr. Salifu clarified the distinctions between Senior High and Senior High Technical schools, which fall under the Ghana Education Service (GES), and technical and vocational institutions governed by the Ghana TVET Service.

Students in GES second-cycle institutions take the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), while those in Ghana TVET Service institutions sit for the National Certificate II examinations.

Highlighting curriculum changes, Mr. Salifu explained that GES schools have adopted the Standards-Based Curriculum, whereas Ghana TVET Service institutions follow the Competency-Based Training curriculum. Both approaches seek to shift away from traditional rote learning toward learner-centered education focused on practical and industry-relevant skills mastery.