President John Dramani Mahama officially launched the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) in Tamale. This nationwide initiative aims to provide young Ghanaians with practical, employable skills to reduce youth unemployment. The inauguration ceremony, held at the University for Development Studies (UDS), marks the beginning of a skills revolution expected to train tens of thousands of individuals each year across all 261 districts.

The programme will start with 10,000 apprentices and scale up to 100,000 by 2026, supported by a GH¢300 million allocation from the 2025 budget, which will cover both training expenses and monthly stipends for participants.

President Mahama articulated that the National Apprenticeship Programme is designed to offer young Ghanaians—particularly those unable to pursue further education—a valuable opportunity to acquire practical skills for self-reliance. He assured that individuals with no formal education are welcome to apply and will receive training in local languages if necessary.

Training will encompass both short courses (2–4 months) and long-term apprenticeships (12–18 months), tailored to specific trades and the prior experience of applicants.

The application process is scheduled to commence shortly and will be accessible online via the National Youth Authority (NYA) portal, as well as at all metropolitan, municipal, and district assembly offices, ensuring inclusivity for all potential applicants.

The National Apprenticeship Programme is integral to the government’s broader strategy to address the country’s 12.6% youth unemployment rate and the 29% of young people not engaged in education, employment, or training. This initiative is anticipated to significantly enhance income levels among beneficiaries, thereby contributing meaningfully to long-term national development.