The Government of Ghana has officially launched the National Apprenticeship Programme, a bold initiative aimed at equipping Ghanaian youth with practical skills to succeed in today’s evolving job market.
The launch, which took place in Tamale, on Wednesday April, 30, brought together government officials, stakeholders, and young people as part of a nationwide effort to close the skills gap and promote entrepreneurship.
President John Dramani Mahama, speaking at the event, expressed pride in the initiative, highlighting its potential to benefit Ghana’s growing youth population. A key feature of the Adwumawura program, he noted, is the provision of allowances to enrolled apprentices, along with starter tool kits to support their trade.
The President also shared that the government intends to ensure inclusivity, targeting 45% of beneficiaries to be women and 5% to be persons with disabilities. “Your inability to have higher education does not stop you from benefitting from the NAP.” the President said.
At the event, Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, emphasized the programme’s importance in bridging the divide between education and employment.
“With today’s launch, we are not only addressing the skills gap in our workforce but also nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit within our youth. By fostering a culture of apprenticeship, we ensure that our young people are not just job seekers but also job creators.”
The programme is set to offer hands-on training and mentorship across key sectors, empowering young Ghanaians to either start their own businesses or find sustainable employment opportunities.
Minister Opare Addo encouraged the youth to embrace the initiative wholeheartedly, describing it as more than a skills programme, but “the beginning of a national movement centered on self-reliance, confidence, and success.”
Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Osman Ayariga, also spoke passionately about the potential of Ghanaian youth and the long-standing vision of industrializing the country.
“The conversation of building an industrial Ghana has been taking place since the days of Gordon Guggisberg. However, you know very well that we cannot build an industrialized nation without building the capacity and the skills of young people,” he said.
He noted that the apprenticeship programme would greatly enhance the competencies of Ghana’s youth, preparing them not just for the local economy but for global opportunities as well.
The National Apprenticeship Programme is being implemented under the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project with support from the World Bank. It targets over 50,000 beneficiaries nationwide, with a focus on technical and vocational training.