Trade Minister cuts sod for CSIR ITAED-HUB to boost local industrial capacity

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Madam Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has referred to the Integrated Industry Training, Entrepreneurship and Database Hub (ITAED-HUB) as one of the most significant investments in Ghana's industrial and human capital development.

She made this remark on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at a sod-cutting ceremony held by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), through its Institute of Industrial Research (IIR), to mark the start of construction of the Hub.

She said the project represents the nation's commitment to preparing young people for the industries of the future.

According to the Minister, the Hub is expected to strengthen Ghana's technical and vocational education ecosystem and support industrial growth.

She cited a 2025 study by UNICEF and the Ghana TVET Service, which found that only 24 per cent of surveyed TVET institutions offer competency-based training exclusively.

She noted that this gap between skills acquired in school and those required by industry informed the rationale for the Hub, and the ITAED-HUB is a strategic response to that challenge.

Madam Ofosu-Adjare commended CSIR-IIR for successfully securing the competitive continental grant.

She also expressed appreciation to the German Government, AUDA-NEPAD, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) for their support towards the project.

She explained that the Hub will provide practical, industry-oriented training in automotive technology, mechatronics and CAD/CNC/3D digital manufacturing.

She added that it will also maintain a database system to track labour market needs and skills demand, to ensure training remains relevant to industry.

The Minister said the initiative aligns with government efforts to deepen local content participation, reduce dependence on imported skilled labour and develop a new generation of technically competent entrepreneurs capable of driving Ghana's industrial transformation.

She called on industries, engineering firms, automotive workshops and technology companies to partner with the Hub by helping shape training curricula, providing industrial attachment opportunities, and employing graduates.

The Director-General of CSIR, Prof. Paul P. Bosu, described the ITAED-HUB as a transformative project that aligns with CSIR's mandate to promote research, innovation, technology transfer and industrial development.

He said the facility would serve as a bridge between research, skills development and industry, creating opportunities for young people while supporting the competitiveness and productivity of Ghanaian industries.

He reaffirmed CSIR's commitment to ensuring the project's successful implementation and sustainability.