Mawusi Nudekor

About

Mawusi Nudekor is an advocate for Technical and Vocational Education and Training and a Women’s Rights Advocate. She is an experienced Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Expert, Social-Entrepreneur, Small Business Development Specialist, Women and Youth Vocational and Entrepreneurial Capacity Developer. Mawusi Nudekor has over 30 years of experience in entrepreneurial and vocational training and promotes TVET Education as the key to self-employment and national development.  She is a passionate promoter of self-employment.

Mawusi Nudekor, a distinguished Ghanaian TVET educationist and trailblazer, was born on August 6, 1962, in Accra, the vibrant capital city of Ghana. Mawusi Nudekor’s academic journey commenced at the prestigious University Primary School, Legon, where she demonstrated exceptional intellectual curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. She subsequently attended the renowned Aburi Girls Secondary School and Mawuli Secondary School, bastions of academic excellence and nurturing grounds for future leaders. Her education was further enriched at University of Ghana, an esteemed tertiary institution celebrated for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to fostering holistic development.

This formidable academic foundation laid the groundwork for Mawusi Nudekor’s remarkable success in her subsequent pursuits, equipping her with the intellectual acuity, creativity, and resilience necessary to excel in her chosen field. Her educational odyssey not only honed her skills but also instilled in her a deep passion for learning, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Mawusi Nudekor has dedicated over 35 years to transforming the TVET landscape. As the first Director-General of the Ghana TVET Service and the first woman to hold this position, she has left an indelible mark on the organization. Her leadership has promoted TVET as a key driver of self-employment, national development, and economic growth, aligning with SDG 9.

Mawusi Nudekor’s exceptional leadership and enduring impact on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector cannot be overlooked. Throughout her illustrious career, she demonstrates visionary leadership and is a driving force in transforming the TVET landscape in Ghana. Her innovative approach, unwavering commitment, and strategic direction have played a crucial role in establishing TVET as a key driver of self-employment, national progress, and economic prosperity.

Mawusi Nudekor’s career strength is defined by her dedication to aligning the TVET sector with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 8, which focus on promoting inclusive and quality education and fostering sustainable economic growth. Her persistent efforts have led to substantial advancements, resulting in a more resilient and adaptable TVET system that is poised to advance Ghana’s socio-economic development.

Mawusi Nudekor’s ground-breaking contributions to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and women’s empowerment have undoubtedly enriched the narrative. Her visionary leadership has revolutionized perceptions about TVET, transforming it into a prestigious and viable career path, and has emancipated thousands of women and girls to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. Her impact has been profound, far-reaching, and life-changing, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift future generations.

Mawusi Nudekor’s tenure as the Executive Director for National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) and Director-General for the Ghana TVET Service was a remarkable journey of transformation and growth. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to TVET has left an indelible mark on the organization and the sector as a whole. Throughout her tenure, she worked tirelessly to promote TVET, establishing herself as a champion of technical and vocational education. Her commitment to TVET has led to significant milestones and achievements, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the sector.

Achievements and Impact

Mawusi Nudekor before entering public service was actively involved in social and gender development activities as the Executive Director of the Network of Women in Growth (NEWIG), Ghana, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) she founded in 2002 in Tefle, Volta Region, where women are trained and given access to livelihoods and markets. The NEWIG Centre has trained over 7800 women in different skills and trades. 

Many young women who have benefitted from her vocational skills training are now master crafts-persons, and some have also established NGOs and CBOs.  She always brought innovation and creativity to her work, bearing in mind the changing context of socioeconomic needs and demands. She encouraged young women to enter male-dominated vocations through her “Young Women in Male-Dominated Skills Training Program” and NEWIG trained women in Draftsmanship, General Electricals, Plumbing, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Professional Driving.

She is also the first to introduce the Young Women in Professional Driving Training Programme. Some of the beneficiaries are chauffeuring Chief Executives, and driving commercial buses and fuel tankers. She also introduced a mentorship program for young women entrepreneurs, which has seen many women operating successful businesses. Awards won by some of the beneficiaries include MTN Heroes of Change, 2021 Best Female Engineer. Mawusi was also nominated in 2021 for the MTN Heroes of Change award.

Through her foundation, the Network of Women in Growth (NEWIG), NEWIG tools and equipment have been donated to several young women, schools, including Sogakope TVET School, Tamale Ladies in Carpentry, Krobea Asante School, and Tutu Methodist Technical. Additionally, various NGOs in TVET have benefited from NEWIG’s support. These donations aim to enhance learning experiences and foster growth in TVET institutions.

Under Mawusi Nudekor’s leadership, the Ghana TVET Service achieved significant milestones, including the establishment of a Career Guidance and Counselling Unit; improvement of leadership systems; increase of female directors and institutes; enhancement of infrastructure facilities; and setting a new standard of excellence in TVET. These achievements have had a profound impact on the TVET sector, leading to increased enrolment and employment opportunities for TVET graduates.

During her tenure, the TVET space experienced an increment from twenty thousand to over 61,000 SHS graduates, within two years. This significant growth is a testament to her leadership and commitment to TVET. Her tenure also propelled the establishment of new TVET institutions and programs, leading to increased access to technical and vocational education. Mawusi Nudekor’s tenure as Director-General of the Ghana TVET Service has been a remarkable journey of transformation and growth. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of TVET in Ghana, and her contributions will be remembered for generations to come. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to TVET has left an indelible mark on the organization and the sector as a whole. Through her foundation, NEWIG, she continues to inspire and empower women and youth in TVET. 

Awards

Mawusi Nudekor has many recognitions and awards to her credit.  Some significant ones are:

  • Female Pillars of Modern Ghana Awards 2023 in the TVET Category
  • African Women Uncommon Legacy Award, October 2023
  • The Most Respected CEO in the Vocational Education and Training Category at the 5th Ghana Industry CEO Awards 2022;
  • 2022 African Public Service Optimum Awards
  • Won the Africa Outstanding Professional Awards in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2022 in Vocational Education and Training; 
  • Best in the Vocational Sector for the 8th Business Executive Excellence 2021 Award;
  • National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) 2021 Award in recognition of outstanding contribution to Youth and Students development; 7th Best Performing CEO in Ghana (2019);
  • MTN 2019 Heroes of Change Award; Leading Innovative Women Honorary Award (2013) by the Global Women Innovative Network, UK and Government of Ghana;
  • Recognition of Outstanding Service to Mankind and Womanhood, by Methodist University College, Ghana (2013); Honorary Certificate (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (2016).

Board memberships

  • 2023 – Date: Acacia University, Arizona, USA
  • 2023 – August 2024: Ghana Tertiary Education Commission
  • 2022- August 2024: Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training
  • 2017 – 2020: Amansieman Vocational Training School
  • 2017 – 2020: Ghana Institute of Engineering and Technology
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