The Volta Region has officially inaugurated the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) with a colourful matriculation and induction ceremony at Jubilee Park in Ho, ushering in a new era of skills development and youth empowerment in Ghana. The event brought together apprentices, master craft persons, government officials, and stakeholders, and was graced by Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, and Mr. Osman Abdulai Ayariga, CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA).
In his keynote address, Mr. Gunu described the initiative as a pivotal step to combat youth unemployment, supported by a GH¢300 million allocation in the 2025 national budget. He emphasized that the programme is not only about training but about reshaping the region’s economic trajectory and creating sustainable livelihoods.
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Mr. Ayariga highlighted that the NAP bridges the gap between talent and employable skills, praising the Volta Region’s resilience, discipline, and industrious youth. He called the programme one of the boldest steps in empowering Ghana’s young people to convert potential into prosperity.
For the pilot phase in the Volta Region, 2,060 apprentices have been enrolled to be trained by 412 Master Craft Persons across diverse trades and vocations. Beneficiaries will enjoy free competency-based training, monthly stipends, and start-up equipment after completion. The design ensures apprentices graduate with both technical expertise and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to create jobs and contribute to national growth.
The induction ceremony featured the administration of a matriculation pledge, symbolic presentation of ID cards, and distribution of training materials, officially marking the programme’s rollout. The government aims to expand the National Apprenticeship Programme nationwide to reduce unemployment and build a skilled, self-reliant workforce for Ghana’s future.
