More than 550 young people from across the Upper West Region have officially matriculated into the government’s flagship National Apprenticeship Program (NAP), a major initiative designed to reduce youth unemployment through structured training and skills development.
The induction ceremony, held on August 30, 2025, brought together key stakeholders who underscored the program’s potential to transform lives and urged the apprentices to take their training seriously.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Madam Vida, Regional Youth Authority Director, said the event marked not only a milestone in Ghana’s technical and vocational education transformation agenda but also a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to placing skills and innovation at the heart of national development.
“These are not just numbers,” she said. “They remind us that while education is critical, without diverse skills training and improved market linkages, many young people will continue to struggle to find sustainable livelihoods.”
The NAP, which targets 10,000 beneficiaries in its first phase, covers nine major training areas, including agriculture, ICT, fashion and textiles, cosmetology, hospitality, and renewable energy.
Speaking on behalf of the CEO of the National Youth Authority, Naomi Birago Opoku-Agyemang, Director of Gender, Health, and Inclusion, said the program is about transformation and opportunity.
“Your success will be measured not just by the certificates you earn, but by the skills you master, the businesses you establish, and the communities you uplift,” she stressed.
Fohad Agbenyadzi, representing the National Coordinator of NAP, revealed that the initiative had already attracted over 115,000 applications, a reflection of growing demand for vocational and technical training. He noted that government support includes free training, monthly stipends, workplace insurance, protective equipment, and startup kits, adding that such support also comes with responsibility.
Speaking for the master craftsmen, Scholastica Wesoamo assured that the program was about empowerment, not exploitation.
“We will not abuse or exploit apprentices. Instead, we will support them to succeed while working closely with the NAP Secretariat and stakeholders to ensure quality outcomes,” she pledged.
Representing the apprentices, Albert Azaasuma described the cohort as proud ambassadors of the initiative.
“We will wear this badge of honour with pride and contribute our quota to building sustainable jobs and a better future for Ghana,” he declared, while expressing gratitude to the government, leaders, trainers, and sponsors for their investment.
Complex certification processes stifling growth of start-ups – Prof Bawole