President John Dramani Mahama has declared that over 5,000 young individuals in the Northern Region will gain from the National Apprenticeship Programme, which is designed to equip them with skills that enhance employability for economic empowerment.
He made this announcement at the Jubilee House on Friday, June 13, during a courtesy visit from the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II. This visit was part of initiatives to strengthen collaboration between traditional authorities and the state, as well as to discuss priorities for national development.
President Mahama elaborated that the program, which is included in the 2025 budget, will be implemented in collaboration with vocational training institutions and private sector partners throughout the nation.
“The 2025 budget has allocated sufficient resources for the initiation of the National Apprenticeship Programme, which will be launched in partnership with our vocational institutions and the private sector nationwide,” he stated.
He noted that the programme specifically aims to empower the youth with skills in carpentry, tailoring, welding, shea butter processing, and agribusiness sectors, which are crucial for local economies and rural livelihoods.
“More than 5,000 young people from the Northern Region are anticipated to receive training in employable skills such as carpentry, tailoring, welding, shea butter processing, and agribusiness,” Mr. Mahama remarked.
He emphasized that this initiative is in line with his broader vision of a 24-hour economy, which aims to generate new job opportunities, extend business hours, and enhance productivity across various sectors, including agro-processing, logistics, and community services.
“These initiatives are consistent with our overarching vision of the 24-hour economy strategy, which will create new job opportunities and extend business hours in agro-processing, logistics, and community services,” he concluded.
The president highlighted that the National Apprenticeship Programme will not only decrease unemployment but will also aid in sustainable development by cultivating a skilled workforce that is aligned with Ghana’s local requirements and traditional ways of life.
