Most informal sector businesses in Ghana are organized in Trade Associations. Apart from offering general business services to their members, one of their functions is to coordinate and assure the quality of training such as apprenticeship systems in their respective trades. They therefore have a crucial function when it comes to improving informal sector skills training. GSDI supports the associations in the development of their organizational structures and services for their members.
Furthermore, umbrella associations such as the Federation of Professional Trade Associations in Ghana (FEPTAG), the Association of Small-Scale Industries (ASSI) and the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) are being actively involved in the design of training contents. GSDI also backs the establishment of sector skills bodies to promote demand-driven TVET and public-private exchange.
Currently, GSDI cooperates in around 20 different trade associations (representing 8 trades) in strengthening their active participation in the implementation of demand-oriented and collaborative TVET models:
Garment Making
Ghana Cooperative of Fashion Designers Association (GCFDA)
Ghana National Association of Garment Makers (GNAGM)
Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA)
Ghana Cooperative Fashion Designers Association (COOP)
Cosmetology
Ghana Association of Barbers of Barbering Salon Owners (GABBSO)
Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA)
Ghana Progressive Hairdressers Association of Ghana (GPHAG)
National Association of Beauticians and Hairdressers (NABH)
Professional Cosmetology and Beautician Association of Ghana (P-CABAG)
United Hairdressers Association of Ghana (UHAG)
Automotive
Ghana National Association of Garages (GNAG)
Electrical Installation
Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA)
Certified Electrical Wiring Professionals Association of Ghana (CEWPAG)
Ghana Electrical Constructors Association (GECA)
Electronics
Ghana Electronics Servicing Technicians Association (GESTA)
Progressive Electronics Technician Association of Ghana (PETAG)
Welding
Ghana Institute of Welders (GIW)
Block Laying and Tiling
Artisans Association of Ghana (AAG)
Association of Building Technicians of Ghana (ABT-Gh)
Masons Association of Ghana (MAG)
Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG)
Furniture Work
Woodworkers Association of Ghana (WAG)
