President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) in Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region, with a call on the youth to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire hands-on skills and become employable.

The launch fulfills a key promise in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto, aimed at opening job opportunities for young people by equipping them with practical skills.

President Mahama emphasized that the inability of some youth to access higher education should not deter them from enrolling in the NAP. He reiterated the NDC's commitment to fulfilling its pledge to provide jobs for the youth, noting that the programme would benefit approximately 500,000 young people, starting with an initial cohort of 100,000.

The NAP is a flagship initiative of the NDC government designed to tackle youth unemployment through technical and vocational skills development. It forms a core part of the administration’s job creation and human capital development strategy.

The President announced that each apprentice would receive a transport stipend under the programme. Additionally, five per cent of NAP beneficiaries would be Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), while 45 per cent would be women.

As outlined in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, the programme offers free training in various trades and crafts, leading to formal certification. Beneficiaries will also be supported with start-up capital and equipment to establish their own businesses upon graduation.

A dedicated Business Growth Apprenticeship module will link TVET graduates with established industries for mentorship and enterprise development. The government also plans to reform the TVET system by incorporating digital skills, soft skills, and entrepreneurial training.

Mr. George Opare Addo, Minister for Youth, Empowerment, and Development, highlighted the importance the government places on such flagship programmes, stating, “We are not just launching a programme, but a movement that will forever empower young people to lead the development agenda of Ghana.”

To support the programme, the 2025 Budget Statement has allocated GH¢300 million, targeting the training and empowerment of over 100,000 young people across the country.

The programme also includes the establishment of regional Centres of Excellence to provide hands-on training in simulated work environments.

The launch in Tamale drew stakeholders from the education, industry, and youth sectors, marking the beginning of the nationwide implementation of the initiative.

The Mahama-led administration has described the NAP as a critical pillar in its drive to create jobs and equip Ghana’s youth with employable skills for sustainable livelihoods.

On Monday, President Mahama also launched another flagship programme, Adwumawura, aimed at creating an estimated 10,000 jobs annually for youth and other job seekers. This, along with the NAP, demonstrates the President’s commitment to fulfilling key party manifesto promises.