President Mahama Launches National Apprenticeship Programme to Boost Youth Skills and Jobs

President John Dramani Mahama has launched the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) in Tamale, a bold nationwide initiative aimed at equipping young Ghanaians with practical, employable skills and reducing youth unemployment.

The launch ceremony, held at the University for Development Studies (UDS) auditorium, marked the start of a skills revolution that is expected to train tens of thousands annually and reach all 261 districts across the country.

The President announced that the programme will kick off in this year with 10,000 young apprentices and scale up to 100,000 trainees per year from 2026. Backed by a GH¢300 million allocation in the 2025 budget, NAP will cover both training costs and monthly stipends for participants.

“The National Apprenticeship Programme is designed to give young Ghanaians—especially those unable to further their education—a second chance to gain practical skills for self-reliance,” the President said. He assured that even individuals with no formal education can apply and will be trained in local languages if needed.

Training modules will include both short courses (2–4 months) and long-term apprenticeships (12–18 months), depending on the trade and applicant’s prior experience.

President Mahama emphasized that the application process will begin in May 2025 and will be accessible online via the National Youth Authority (NYA) portal and physically at all metropolitan, municipal, and district assembly offices to accommodate applicants who may not be tech-savvy.

Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare-Addo, described the programme as “a national promise,” urging Ghanaian youth to seize the opportunity not just for training but as a pathway to transformation.

“This is the beginning of a movement towards economic empowerment and national development. We are building a confident, self-reliant generation,” he stated, while acknowledging key partners like the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) for their support.

NYA CEO Mr. Osman Ayariga Esq. reaffirmed the Authority’s full commitment to the success of the programme. He highlighted the simple, free application process and promised that no eligible youth would be left behind.

“This isn’t just another government programme. It is a lifeline—and we are committed to seeing it through. We will not, cannot, and shall not fail Ghana’s youth,and the president “, he said passionately.

NAP is part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle the country’s 12.6% youth unemployment rate and the 29% of young people not in education, employment, or training. The initiative is expected to significantly raise income levels among beneficiaries, with long-term national development benefits