In a bold move to tackle youth unemployment and equip young Ghanaians with employable skills, the Mahama-led administration has officially launched the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), a flagship initiative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.
The ambitious programme, which was launched in Tamale on Monday, aims to train and empower 500,000 youth over the next five years, beginning with an initial 100,000 beneficiaries in 2025.
The NAP is designed to offer free apprenticeship training in various trades and crafts, providing beneficiaries with formal certification, startup capital, and tools to establish their own businesses.
In alignment with the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, the programme promises to be a core driver of job creation, skills development, and youth empowerment.
The 2025 Budget Statement has earmarked GH¢300 million to support the first year of the programme, with the goal of reaching over 100,000 young people across the country.
Additionally, regional Centres of Excellence will be established to provide hands-on training in simulated work environments, allowing trainees to gain practical, industry-aligned experience.
Stakeholders from the education sector, private industry, and youth organizations attended the launch, which marked the beginning of a nationwide implementation strategy for the NAP.
The programme will include a Business Growth Apprenticeship module to link Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates with established industries for mentorship and enterprise development.
As part of ongoing educational reform, the government also plans to integrate digital skills, soft skills, and entrepreneurship training into the TVET system.
The NDC views NAP as a critical pillar in its efforts to combat unemployment and provide sustainable livelihoods for Ghana’s youth.
The launch comes shortly after the introduction of another major initiative, “Adwumawura,” which seeks to create 10,000 jobs annually.
At the launch event, President John Dramani Mahama reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling its job creation agenda.
He announced that each apprentice will receive a stipend for transportation, and emphasized that 5% of beneficiaries would be Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), while 45% would be women, promoting both inclusivity and gender balance.
“The inability of the youth to access higher education should not be a barrier to progress,” President Mahama stressed.
“NAP is here to ensure that every young Ghanaian, regardless of their academic background, has a pathway to a dignified livelihood, ” he added.
Mr. George Opare Addo, Minister for Youth, Empowerment, and Development, described the programme as more than just a policy intervention.
“We are not just launching a programme,” he said, “but a movement that will forever empower young people to lead the development agenda of Ghana.”
Together, these initiatives reflect a growing momentum behind President Mahama’s broader vision to transform Ghana’s youth potential into a productive and skilled workforce, fulfilling key promises made in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto.
Free skills training; start up tools for 500,000 youth
