The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has reaffirmed government’s resolve to transform Ghana’s youth through massive skills development, as he led the distribution of tools and equipment to beneficiaries of the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) in Accra.
Addressing apprentices, master craft persons and stakeholders, Mr. Opare Addo said the programme represents a deliberate shift from apprenticeship to entrepreneurship, stressing that skills development remains the surest pathway to sustainable youth empowerment.
He explained that President John Dramani Mahama identified the country’s growing skills deficit as a major challenge confronting young people and consequently launched the National Apprenticeship Programme to bridge the gap.
“After months of training, the promise we made has become a reality. Today, we are retooling master craft persons and providing apprentices with equipment so they can start their own businesses,” the Minister said.
Mr. Opare Addo disclosed that 10,000 young people were enrolled under the programme last year, with government targeting 100,000 beneficiaries this year. He added that complementary initiatives such as a Prior Learning Certification Programme will ensure graduates receive formal certification, while a Work Abroad Programme will offer qualified apprentices opportunities to access jobs outside Ghana.
He cautioned beneficiaries against selling the equipment, describing the items as tools meant strictly to support training and enterprise development.
“These tools are not for sale. They are meant to help you learn your trade, become entrepreneurs and eventually employers,” he emphasized.
The Minister also directed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to collaborate closely with Members of Parliament and the National Youth Authority to ensure transparent and accountable distribution of the equipment.
Adding her voice, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, described the initiative as a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to equipping young people with market-ready skills and practical tools.
“This programme goes beyond the handing out of equipment. It represents a deliberate investment in the future of our young people and a significant step toward building a productive, self-reliant and innovative workforce,” she said.
She urged MMDCEs to ensure timely and efficient distribution of the tools to beneficiaries and to closely supervise training centres, engage master craft persons and provide the necessary mentorship and support to apprentices.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Abdul-Aziz Osman Ayariga, described the National Apprenticeship Programme as a cornerstone of government’s youth empowerment agenda and one of the most ambitious social interventions in Ghana’s history.
He disclosed that the programme is expected to scale up to 100,000 apprentices annually by 2026, backed by a projected GH¢300 million allocation, with training costs and stipends covered to remove financial barriers.
Mr. Ayariga acknowledged delays in payments to master craft persons and stipends to apprentices, explaining that a nationwide validation exercise is underway to eliminate ghost names and ensure value for money.
“It is better to delay and do the right thing than rush and do the wrong thing. Once validation is completed, payments will resume,” he assured.
He noted that beneficiaries are receiving items such as sewing machines, dryers, safety equipment and toolboxes, describing the support as “a symbol of opportunity, dignity and independence.”
The distribution exercise forms part of government’s broader strategy, led by Hon. George Opare Addo, to tackle youth unemployment, strengthen technical and vocational education and build a self-reliant, skilled and productive workforce for national development.
