Conceptual framework for enhancing engineering education in Ghana’s polytechnicsConceptual framework for enhancing engineering education in Ghana’s polytechnics

Abstract: Successive Governments in Ghana since the pre­independence era have all underscored the significance of engineering education as a catalyst for transforming and growing the economy as well as promoting national development. Polytechnic education in Ghana is also perceived as the panacea to the growing unemployment rate in the country and trains middle-level skilled manpower for industry for national development. However, Polytechnics have failed to harness its potential to enhance engineering education to meet the needs of industry in Ghana, Conceptualising factors that may contribute to enhancing engineering education in Ghana's polytechnic education in the face of the conversion into technical university is the focus of this paper. A brief review of Polytechnic education in Ghana from second cycle level to a technical university status is done. The study adopted the desk review approach by examining literature from journal articles, the internet sources, conference proceedings, books and other relevant materials related to the study. Five (5) critical factors have been discussed to have an influence on engineering education in Polytechnics in Ghana. These factors include competence-based teaching and learning, monitored industrial training/internship, funding, educational field visits and industrial collaboration. These factors if considered and implemented may enhance the quality of teaching and learning and translate in the quality of graduates churn out and above all improve the country's economic productivity