The Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service made history with its inaugural Fashion Fantasy Show and Beauty Pageant at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Organized alongside the Faculty of Art at KNUST and Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), the two-day event drew participants from TVET institutions across the Ashanti Region under the theme “Unleashing Potentials and Creativity.”
The programme offered students a unique stage to demonstrate their flair in fashion, design, and artistic expression. Beyond being a competition, the show served as a celebration of creativity and a clear illustration of how TVET education can transform individual lives and contribute to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
Dr. Kwabena Asubonteng of KNUST’s Fashion Department emphasized that technical and vocational training is critical for the nation’s future. He pointed out that while academic schools contribute to education, it is TVET that has the capacity to address youth unemployment, equip students with practical skills, and unlock creative potential across diverse industries.
Encouraging parents to support their children’s talents, particularly those of BECE candidates, Dr. Asubonteng said, “Many young people have gifts that need nurturing. When talent is ignored, it fades; but when guided and polished, it can transform careers and lives.” He urged students to blend discipline, learning, and faith in developing their God-given abilities, highlighting that success in creative fields like fashion, painting, and design is achievable through dedication.
Engineer Richard Addo Gyamfi, Ashanti Regional Director of TVET Service, described the show as more than a performance—it was a practical platform for building confidence and preparing students for future careers. He announced that the first three winning schools would each receive industrial and electric sewing machines to help students launch small businesses and gain hands-on experience in their craft.
AWARDEES
In the Fashion Fantasy category:
1. Comfort Arthur – Adako Jachie Technical Institute
2. Esther Fosuaa – Afoako Technical Institute
3. Aminatu Illiasu – Offinso Technical Institute
AWARDEES
In the Beauty Pageantry category:
1. Sarah Asokyine – Kumawu Technical Institute
2. Comfort Fremah – Business Secretarial Technical Institute
3. Ernestina Amponsah – St. Michael’s Technical Institute
During the award ceremony, judges evaluated the performances, assigned scores, presented certificates of recognition, and supervised the handover of industrial machines to the top three schools. The announcement of the winners sparked excitement across the hall, with students and educators expressing how motivating the recognition and support had been for their skills and ambitions. Engineer Addo Gyamfi added that the TVET Service would monitor the beneficiaries to ensure the equipment is used effectively and that students are linked to real-world opportunities.
He expressed gratitude to the Faculty of Art at KNUST and KsTU for their continued support and urged private sector companies to partner with TVET institutions to further expand resources and opportunities. He also encouraged the media to cover TVET programmes extensively, noting that greater visibility is crucial for reshaping public perceptions of technical and vocational education.
The audience, which included students, parents, and education stakeholders, hailed the event as a milestone in promoting TVET in Ghana. Many noted that it successfully showcased the hidden talents of young people and reinforced the message that vocational and technical education is a strong pathway to employment, entrepreneurship, and national progress.
