NORDU Festival 2025: A Call for Revitalization of TVET Centres and Improved Infrastructure in Ghana’s Volta Region

Published on December 2, 2025

The NORDU Festival 2025 has provided a vital platform to address critical issues affecting the Volta Region of Ghana, particularly regarding the development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres and infrastructure improvements. Held annually, the festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and achievements of the region while also focusing on its future development needs. This year, calls for the revitalization of TVET centres and better infrastructure have been prominent, as leaders, including Togbe Kwasi Agama VII, emphasized the importance of these areas for long-term growth.

The festival, which draws a significant number of attendees both locally and from the diaspora, has become an essential event in Ghana’s cultural and developmental calendar. The discussions and calls made during this year’s festival were aimed at not only addressing present challenges but also creating a sustainable path forward that could enhance the region’s tourism potential, education system, and overall infrastructure.

The Importance of TVET Centres in Regional Development

TVET centres are pivotal in addressing the skills gap in many regions, including Volta. The revitalization of these centres is crucial for equipping the younger generation with the necessary skills to thrive in various industries, particularly in the context of the growing global demand for skilled labor. Togbe Kwasi Agama VII, in his speech during the festival, underscored the importance of upgrading and revitalizing these centres to meet modern standards and industry demands.

TVET centres not only provide academic learning but also practical skills that are essential for employment and entrepreneurship, particularly in the sectors of agriculture, construction, engineering, and technology. By improving these centres, the region can unlock a wealth of opportunities for local youth, helping to reduce unemployment and raise the standard of living.

Moreover, an investment in TVET would be a direct contributor to the tourism industry. Well-trained professionals in areas such as hospitality, culinary arts, and tourism management would enhance the region’s ability to cater to the growing number of domestic and international tourists. A skilled workforce will be instrumental in improving the quality of services offered, ensuring that visitors have a memorable experience, which in turn could encourage more people to visit the region.

The Role of Infrastructure in Enhancing Regional Tourism

Infrastructure is another critical area that requires urgent attention in the Volta Region. The region has significant potential to become a major tourist destination due to its scenic landscapes, cultural heritage, and proximity to several popular attractions, including Lake Volta and Mount Afadjato. However, the full potential of the region has yet to be realized due to inadequate infrastructure.

Transport networks, including roads, airports, and public transport, play a crucial role in facilitating tourism. A lack of proper roads, especially in rural areas, often discourages travelers from visiting key destinations. By improving these infrastructures, the region can attract more tourists, which would lead to greater economic benefits. Enhanced infrastructure also makes it easier for both local and international visitors to access the region’s various attractions, making it more appealing as a travel destination.

In addition to transportation, other aspects of infrastructure, such as accommodation facilities, tourist information centers, and public utilities, are essential for creating a welcoming environment for visitors. Well-established infrastructure not only improves the quality of life for local residents but also ensures that tourists can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

NORDU Festival as a Catalyst for Regional Growth

The NORDU Festival is an ideal platform to address these development challenges. It brings together local leaders, stakeholders, and tourism professionals to discuss the pressing issues facing the region and explore solutions. The festival’s ability to draw attention to key issues such as TVET and infrastructure improvement makes it a valuable tool in advancing the region’s development agenda.

Attracting a large number of people, including tourists, businesses, and media outlets, the NORDU Festival has the potential to serve as a major marketing tool for the region. It offers a unique opportunity to showcase the cultural richness of Volta while simultaneously highlighting the challenges and opportunities for growth. The discussions that take place during the festival are essential for shaping the future of the region, guiding investments in the education and tourism sectors.

In terms of tourism, the NORDU Festival itself is a significant draw. It offers local and international visitors the chance to experience the vibrant culture of the region, from traditional performances to culinary delights. The festival has become a must-visit event for those seeking to understand the cultural heartbeat of Ghana.

The Connection Between Development and Tourism

The development of TVET centres and infrastructure directly impacts the region’s tourism industry. As the Volta Region becomes better equipped with modern education and infrastructure, it will be able to handle a larger influx of tourists while simultaneously improving the experiences of those who visit.

Investments in TVET can also create new tourism opportunities, such as eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism. The region’s natural landscapes, such as its waterfalls, mountains, and Lake Volta, present opportunities for ecotourism ventures, but these opportunities can only be realized with well-trained professionals and suitable infrastructure.

Furthermore, the hospitality sector in the region would benefit from the revitalization of TVET centres, as more skilled workers would be trained to provide top-quality services to tourists. From hotel management to customer service, tourism-dependent industries require a skilled workforce that can cater to the needs of travelers.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

The calls made during the NORDU Festival 2025 align with the broader vision of creating a sustainable tourism model for the Volta Region. With the right investments in education and infrastructure, the region can position itself as a top-tier destination for both local and international tourists.

The revitalization of TVET centres will provide a skilled labor force that can support a diverse range of industries, not just tourism. The entire economic ecosystem of the region will benefit from this, leading to more job creation, higher wages, and better living standards. Additionally, by improving infrastructure, Volta can attract investment in the hospitality, transportation, and real estate sectors, further driving the economy.

Moving Forward: Collaborative Efforts for Regional Development

The future of Volta Region lies in collaboration. Local leaders, the government, and the private sector must work together to prioritize the revitalization of TVET centres and the enhancement of infrastructure. The government must allocate resources to modernize education facilities, upgrade transportation networks, and develop tourist-friendly amenities. At the same time, the private sector can support these efforts by investing in local businesses, eco-tourism ventures, and the development of hotels and leisure facilities.

The NORDU Festival has brought these critical issues into the spotlight, creating momentum for long-term change. It is now up to all stakeholders to continue pushing for reforms that will benefit the region, the people of Volta, and the thousands of tourists who could be drawn to this beautiful and culturally rich region of Ghana.

Conclusion: Unlocking Volta’s Full Potential

The calls made at the NORDU Festival 2025 to revitalize TVET centres and improve infrastructure are not just about enhancing the region’s educational and tourism landscapes—they are about unlocking the full potential of the Volta Region. By focusing on these areas, Ghana can position Volta as a hub for cultural tourism and a model for regional development. As the festival continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly play an increasingly vital role in shaping the region’s future, making it a key destination for tourists from across the globe.