The South Tongu District on Friday witnessed a major display of technical skill and youthful innovation as the Sogakofe Technical Institute (SOTECH) hosted its Annual Creative Exhibition 2026. The event, held under the theme “Empowering Talent through Creativity, Innovation and Excellence,” brought together key political, administrative, and traditional leaders to celebrate the practical achievements of the institution’s final-year students. In attendance were the South Tongu District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon Victoria Dzeklo; the Parliament of Ghana Member (MP), Hon. Maxwell Kwame Lukutor; and representatives of the GHANA TVET SERVICE ( NVTI), all converging to support the institute’s growing student body, which has expanded remarkably from just one student at its establishment in June 2022 to about 350 learners today.
Delivering her keynote address, the DCE, Hon. Victoria Dzeklo, emphasized that the exhibition represents the concrete future of the district and the nation. She praised the sheer variety of talent on display across the electrical, fashion, and culinary stands, noting that the wealth of the nation lies directly in the hands and minds of its youth. Hon. Victoria Dzeklo stated that when the country empowers a young electrician, a fashion designer, a caterer, a welder, or an IT specialist, it is not just training one person, but rather building industries, creating jobs, and strengthening the entire nation. She challenged the graduating cohort to reject average efforts and pursue exceptional standards, promising that the South Tongu District Assembly will continue to provide infrastructure, skills development, and policy support to position SOTECH as a national center of excellence.
Welcoming guests to the campus, the Principal of SOTECH expressed profound gratitude to local leaders and corporate bodies whose interventions have kept the fast-growing school functional. He specifically acknowledged Hon Maxwell Kwame Lukutor for funding the renovation of the boys’ hostel, and the South Tongu District Assembly for constructing a critical new school block to ease classroom congestion. Further appreciation was extended to Ghana Education Trust Fund – GETFund for donating 500 tables and chairs, alongside local businesses like Stone and Blessings Ventures, Yellowman Ventures, Williago Motors, NAFAC Business Ltd, Nanah Ampedu and Sons, and the Zongo Community led by the Chief Imam.
The Principal noted, however, that the school’s rapid population growth has brought pressing challenges that require immediate stakeholder attention to sustain practical training. He revealed that inadequate classrooms and workshop facilities limit effective lessons, while the total lack of a school bus continues to disrupt educational trips, competitions, and industrial visits.
Furthermore, specific departments require urgent logistical upgrades, including industrial sewing machines for Clothing and Textiles, improved kitchen equipment for Catering, modern tools and safety gear for Building and Construction, and updated testing equipment for the Electrical Engineering Technology department.
Speaking on behalf of the Regional Director of the Ghana TVET Service, Engr. Christian Agordah, Mr Frank Agbota – Monitoring and Evaluation officer TVET, the representative commended the collaborative efforts of the staff, parents, and community leaders in keeping the youth focused on employable skills. The Regional Director’s address emphasized that the technical competence, problem-solving capabilities, and strict safety adherence demonstrated by the electrical, fashion, and catering departments are exactly what Ghana needs in an era of rapid industrialization.
Concluding the event, the representative noted that TVET education remains one of the strongest pathways toward self-reliance and sustainable national development, urging parents and guardians to continue making the necessary sacrifices to support their children in acquiring technical skills.
SRHR: Peter Dzorgbenyuie Junior Narteh-Agbeyome – Freelance Digital Journalist
CCPD: The West African Examinations Council – WAEC, GHANA, Ghana Education Service, Educational Insights, Africa Education Watch, Aakash Educational Services Limited, BASIC SCHOOL, Pulse Ghana, Volta News Daily, Roberts Daily TV, LOCAL 12, WKRC-TV, Local 3 News, National Union Of Tongu Students and Associates- NUTSA
