President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched a new initiative designed to reduce youth unemployment and provide marketable skills to young people across Ghana. The programme, known as the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), will be rolled out in 2025 with the goal of equipping over 10,000 youth with practical vocational training.
Speaking at the launch in Tamale, President Mahama revealed that a second phase, expected to begin in 2026, will expand to train over 100,000 beneficiaries.
The programme is a collaboration between the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment and the National Youth Authority (NYA). It reflects the government’s ongoing strategy to boost technical and vocational education as a response to the country’s employment challenges.
NAP offers a one-year apprenticeship covering trades such as dressmaking, carpentry, hairstyling, and automobile repairs. The training will be split into 30% theoretical learning and 70% hands-on practice.
President Mahama stated that the initiative fulfills a key pledge in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto to promote youth development through job creation. A budget allocation of GH¢300 million has been set aside to fund the programme, with funds already secured.
“This is not just about providing jobs,” Mahama said. “It’s about creating lasting opportunities and preparing our youth to thrive in today’s labour market.”
The President stressed the programme’s commitment to inclusion. Women will receive 45% of training slots, and 5% will be reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), with special consideration for other vulnerable groups.
Participants will also receive monthly stipends, starter kits, and official certification upon completion of the training.
Youth Development Minister George Opare-Addo praised the initiative as a bold step toward economic empowerment, encouraging young people to take advantage of this opportunity.
NYA CEO Osman Ayariga announced that application forms are available at all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) as well as on the NYA website. He emphasized that the application process is entirely free of charge and warned applicants not to pay any fees.
“Offices at the MMDAs are ready to guide applicants through the process,” Ayariga assured.
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