President Mahama Launches National Apprenticeship Program to Train 500,000 Youth in 5 Years
President of the Republic of Ghana H.E John Dramani Mahama has officially launched another flagship programme; National Apprenticeship Programme ( NAP) aimed at training 500,000 youth in various artisanal skills.
The National Apprenticeship Program (NAP) is a strategic initiative under the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, implemented in collaboration with the National Youth Authority (NYA). The program is designed to equip young Ghanaians with practical, hands-on skills through structured, industry-based training, with a focus on promoting employability, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.
NAP provides opportunities for youth to learn directly from experienced master craftsmen and women across various trades, including tailoring, welding, hairdressing, carpentry, auto mechanics, and more. Participants benefit from practical training, monthly stipends, and apprenticeship support pack-ages-comprising tools and equipment-to help them transition into productive work or start their own businesses.
The program also incorporates competency-based training and nationally recognized certification to ensure quality and industry relevance. By supporting youth with critical skills and resources, NAP contributes to reducing unemployment and accelerating inclusive economic growth.
“Today marks a transformative milestone in our collective journey towards building a prosperous Ghana that works for all. I am honoured to stand before you at the launch of the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), under the theme; Skills for Prosperity, Empowering Ghana’s future” he stated.
Delivering his keynote address during the launch at the University of Development Studies (UDS), he described the initiative “as a testament to our unwavering commitment to investing in the most critical asset of our nation and that is our youth”
He acknowledged the challenges confronting Ghana’s job landscape, emphasizing the importance of NAP in alleviating youth unemployment.
“The challenge we face today is a growing youth population with limited skills. But Ghana is blessed a vibrant and youthful population. Yet too many of our young citizens find themselves battling unemployment and under- employment. Recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service reveals that the youth unemployment rate stands at 12.6 per cent for those aged between 15 -35 years with an alarming 29 per cent of young people neither engaged in education, in employment, or in training” Mr. Mahama remarked.
