President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) in Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region with a call on the youth to take advantage to acquire hands-on skills to be employable.
The launch is in fulfilment of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto promise to open job opportunities for young people to have hands-on skills to be employable. President Mahama noted that the inability of the youth to access higher level education should not be a deterrent factor to enable them to enroll on the NAP.
He said NAP reaffirms the commitment of NDC to fulfilling its manifesto promise of providing jobs for the youth, adding that it would equip about 500,000 youth, beginning with the initial cohort of 100,00. The NAP is a flagship initiative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government aimed at tackling youth unemployment through technical and vocational skills development.
It forms a core part of the administration’s job creation and human capital development strategy. The President announced that each apprentice would receive a stipend for transport under the programme, while five per cent of NAP beneficiaries would be Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and 45 per cent would be women.
The programme, as outlined in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, offers free training in various trades and crafts, leading to formal certification. Beneficiaries will be supported with start-up capital and equipment to establish their own businesses upon graduation.
A dedicated Business Growth Apprenticeship module will link TVET graduates with established industries for mentorship and enterprise development. The government also plans to introduce reforms to the TVET system by incorporating digital skills, soft skills, and entrepreneurial training.
Mr George Opare Addo, Minister for Youth, Empowerment, and Development, emphasised on the seriousness government attached to such flagship programmes and said “We are not just launching a programme, but a movement that will forever empower young people to lead the development agenda of Ghana”
In support of the programme, the 2025 Budget Statement has allocated GH¢300 million, with a target to train and empower over 100,000 young people across the country. The programme also includes the establishment of regional Centres of Excellence to provide hands-on training in simulated work environments.
The launch in Tamale drew stakeholders from the education, industry, and youth sectors, and marked the beginning of nationwide implementation of the initiative. The Mahama-led administration has described the NAP as a critical pillar in its drive to create jobs and equip Ghana’s youth with employable skills for sustainable livelihoods.
On Monday, President Mahama launched one of the party’s flagship programmes, “Adwumawura” aimed at creating estimated 10,000 jobs annually for the youth and other people seeking jobs. In addition to the skills training as launched gives credence to the President fulfilling some key party manifesto promises.
Source: GNA
