About AfTI
Our Story: From Youth Leadership Training to Technical Excellence
Founding
Afienya Technical Institute (AfTI), formerly the Afienya Youth Leadership and Skills Training Institute, was established on 9th May 1971, as the result of an agreement between the Youth Council of Ghana and the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation (then of West Germany). The founding agreement had two goals: to establish and operate a Youth Leadership Training Institute, and to engage in other youth activities geared toward training youth leaders.
Administration
| Department | Officer |
|---|---|
| Principal’s Office | Mrs. Mabel Asare Gyebi |
From its founding, the Institute ran two types of courses: Leadership Courses, for young people already engaged in gainful employment through youth organisations, developing their leadership abilities and potential; and Practical Courses, for young people not necessarily attached to any youth organisation, but who showed flair for leadership and organisational ability and were eager to acquire basic skills.
Operating under the National Youth Authority, the Institute was one of eleven Youth Leadership and Skills Training Institutes established nationwide to equip young people with technical and vocational skills, address unemployment, and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Growth
The Government of Ghana’s revamp of technical and vocational education in 2020 led to the establishment of the Ghana TVET Service — a corporate body created under the Pre-Tertiary Education Act, 2020 (Act 1049) to manage, oversee, and implement national TVET policy. As part of this reform, the Institute’s name changed from Youth Leadership and Skills Training Institute to Afienya Technical Institute, the name it carries with pride today.
Today
More than five decades since its founding, AfTI continues to serve over 1,000 students, and through its participation in the VIS Ghana SEE Project, supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the Institute is now building its digital future — a first institutional website, strengthened ICT facilities, and new digital skills for staff and students.
Our Vision
To be a leading institution in technical and vocational education and training that produces skilled and innovative graduates who meet the needs of the job market and contribute to national development.
Our Mission
To provide quality technical and vocational education and training that equips trainees with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for success in the workplace and in life, and to foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and service.
Our Core Values
Academic Excellence
Respect and Diversity
Integrity and Honesty
Responsibility and Accountability
Collaboration and Teamwork
Innovation and Creativity
Social Responsibility
Our Emblem
The emblem of Afienya Technical Institute is derived from a traditional Ghanaian Adinkra symbol known as “HWEMUDUA” — literally meaning “a measuring rod.” The symbol represents perfectionism, excellence, and the careful, disciplined standards the Institute holds itself to in preparing every learner for the world of work.
Message from the Principal
“Welcome to Afienya Technical Institute, a centre of excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Our mission is to equip learners with practical skills, innovation, discipline, and an entrepreneurial mindset to thrive in today’s competitive world. Through dedicated staff, modern training, and strong partnerships with industry, we prepare our learners to become competent professionals, job creators, and responsible adults. We invite you to be part of our journey towards excellence and transformation.”
— Mrs. Mabel Asare Gyebi, Principal
Governance
Afienya Technical Institute is a public technical institute operating under the Ghana TVET Service of the Ministry of Education, in accordance with the Pre-Tertiary Education Act, 2020 (Act 1049). The Institute is administered by the Principal, supported by the JSO/Liaison Officer and the ICT Head of Department, and is accredited by the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET).
Our Achievements
- Accredited public TVET institution committed to quality technical education.
- Strong industry partnerships providing Workplace Experience Learning (WEL), internships, and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Graduates equipped with practical, industry-ready skills and high employability.
- Participation and recognition in TVET exhibitions, skills competitions, and innovation programmes.
- Career guidance, entrepreneurship training, and job fairs that connect learners with employers.
- A safe, inclusive, and learner-centred environment that promotes academic and personal growth.
History timeline
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1971 — Founding
Established on 9th May 1971 by agreement between the Youth Council of Ghana and the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation as the Afienya Youth Leadership and Skills Training Institute.
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2020 — Ghana TVET Service
The Pre-Tertiary Education Act, 2020 (Act 1049) created the Ghana TVET Service. The Institute’s name changed to Afienya Technical Institute.
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2026 — Digital future
Through the VIS Ghana SEE Project, supported by AICS, AfTI is receiving its first institutional website, ICT equipment, and digital skills for staff and students.
Our Campus
Afienya, Tema, Greater Accra Region — opposite Afienya Police Station. Workshop training across seven core trades.
Key Partnerships
AfTI’s strength lies in longstanding partnerships with government, industry, and international development partners:
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Youth Council of Ghana & the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation
The founding partnership that established the Institute in 1971.
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National Youth Authority
Historic supervising body, under which AfTI operated as one of eleven Youth Leadership and Skills Training Institutes nationwide.
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Ghana TVET Service
The Institute’s current supervising and accrediting authority, established under the Pre-Tertiary Education Act, 2020 (Act 1049).
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CTVET
Certification and accreditation body for the Institute’s technical programmes.
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Industry Partners
Employers providing Workplace Experience Learning, internships, apprenticeships, and job fair opportunities.
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VIS Ghana & AICS (Italian Agency for Development Cooperation)
Through the SEE Project, AfTI is receiving its first institutional website, ICT equipment, digital visibility support, and staff and student capacity building.
