The government’s flagship National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) has officially enrolled 1,200 young apprentices in the Upper East Region, marking what officials describe as a “game-changing” step in tackling youth unemployment and equipping young people with employable and entrepreneurial skills.
The ceremony, held at the Jubilee Park in Bolgatanga, also inducted 240 master craft persons who will mentor the trainees in nine priority trade areas, including tailoring, carpentry, welding, cosmetology, agriculture, ICT, automotive, renewable energy, and hospitality.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Youth Development & Empowerment Minister, George Opare-Addo, Esq, Nicodemus N.B. Derry, National Coordinator of NAP, emphasized the central role of artisans in nation-building.
“See the vehicles we ride, the clothes we wear, the hairstyles we admire—none of these are done by politicians or bankers but by skilled people like you,” he noted. “This programme is here to return Ghana to a state where every young person can learn a trade and be self-employed.”
Mr. Derry disclosed that over 120,000 applications were received nationwide for the programme, which aims to train 500,000 youth in four years. He explained that each apprentice will receive a monthly stipend of GH₵300, as well as starter toolkits such as sewing machines, toolboxes, and other essential equipment for their trades.
“The government has invested GH₵2,000 on each master craftsperson for training and accreditation. We cannot afford to disappoint President Mahama, who has committed GH₵300 million to this programme,” he added.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, described the initiative as a deliberate policy to bridge the gap between education and industry.
“The National Apprenticeship Programme is not just about training but about building confidence, creating sustainable jobs and preparing our youth to be globally competitive artisans, innovators, and entrepreneurs,” he said.
He urged apprentices to take the training seriously, stressing that “skills are no longer an alternative but a strategic pathway to success and dignity.”
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, in a speech read on his behalf, reiterated the government’s commitment to youth development.
“For too long, many young Ghanaians have faced the challenge of limited access to quality training. By absorbing the cost of training, accreditation, and start-up toolkits, this programme removes barriers that often keep talented young people from achieving their full potential,” he said.
The NYA boss further called on apprentices to show discipline and dedication: “Your success will not just be measured by certificates but by the skills you master, the businesses you establish, and the communities you uplift.”
The Upper East Regional Coordinator of NAP, James Gbandan Konzabre, was optimistic that the initiative has the potential to become the “nerve centre” of Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy, driving industrial growth and reducing youth unemployment.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga
