On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, unveiled the National Apprenticeship Program at the UDS Auditorium in Tamale. This initiative aims to tackle youth unemployment. It also aims to improve the skills of young Ghanaians through apprenticeships with experienced craftsmen and women. Over five years, the program intends to train 500,000 Ghanaian youth in practical skills applicable to various industries. The first phase will involve 10,000 apprentices from five different geographical regions.
In his remarks, the Hon. Ali Adolf John, the Northern Regional Minister, extended a warm welcome to President Mahama and his entourage. He expressed gratitude for selecting Tamale for the program’s launch location. He assured the government of the region’s full support. He also emphasised the potential benefits of the initiative in addressing youth unemployment and improving lives in the area.
The Minister emphasised the importance of various programs. These include the National Apprenticeship Program, Adwumawura, and Ghana Medical Trust Fund. These programs are crucial in tackling urgent concerns in the area.
The implementation of the National Apprenticeship Program shows the NDC’s dedication to reducing youth joblessness. It also bolsters financial development. This initiative emphasizes improving skills. It is set to generate employment opportunities. As a result, it is poised to positively impact Ghanaians, especially those not enrolled in traditional schooling. This launch marks a significant stride in the government’s endeavours to address urgent concerns Ghanaian youth face.
The NAP provides all-encompassing assistance to its recipients. Under the program, trainees gain expertise in diverse fields, arming them with valuable industry skills. Moreover, they are given starter tool kits to launch their own enterprises and put their abilities into practice. Once finished, participants obtain official certification, strengthening their prospects for employment and establishing trustworthiness within the job market.
NAP’s primary goal is to tackle two pressing issues: youth unemployment and entrepreneurship. The program aims to enhance the workforce’s competitiveness and drive economic growth by equipping young Ghanaians with vital skills. Moreover, NAP has a strong focus on inclusivity, particularly for women, persons with disabilities, and marginalised communities. This strategy guarantees equal access to the program’s advantages, fostering fair development and societal advancement.
NAP aligns with national initiatives promoting youth development and economic growth. Its emphasis on technical and vocational training matches the Youth Policy’s goal. This goal is to equip young individuals for the evolving job market. Additionally, NAP aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG), prioritising creating decent work opportunities and driving economic growth. By providing skills training and job opportunities, NAP actively contributes to reaching local and global development targets.
The collaborative efforts of various partners have been integral to NAP’s success. The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has played a significant role. Other supporting organisations have also contributed significantly to this initiative. The program highly values partnerships with national agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders, recognising their crucial contributions. Through their collective work, these partners have successfully launched initiatives that empower Ghana’s youth and promote sustainable livelihoods.
The NAP launch in Tamale gathered a wide range of participants. These included Ministers of state and Traditional Leaders. The leaders engaged with President Mahama, emphasizing the role of traditional leaders in advancing development efforts. The launch also included MMDCEs responsible for carrying out local development initiatives.
The program aims to equip young Ghanaians with industry-relevant skills and is primarily targeted towards representatives from youth groups.
At the launch event, it was clear that Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) partnered with the government. These organizations advocate for social causes and development initiatives. They also worked with the General Public. The attendees witnessed the program’s potential impact on the broader community.
Eligible applicants can register for the National Apprenticeship Program at various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) nationwide. The registration form will be available at these locations.
Individuals interested in applying can access and submit the necessary registration forms at designated locations provided by the MMDA.
