The Central Regional Coordinator of the National Apprenticeship Programme, Ebenezer Abeiku Essien, has disclosed that 42 female beneficiaries in the region have become pregnant and dropped out within nine months of the programme’s launch.

Describing the development as deeply concerning, Mr. Essien revealed that the women discontinued the programme shortly after it began.

He made the disclosure while addressing beneficiaries at a distribution event in the Upper Denkyira West District of the Central Region.

He urged participants to take the initiative seriously, stressing that the government is fully funding the programme, including the payment of monthly allowances.

Mr. Essien emphasised that the National Apprenticeship Programme is a key campaign promise of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) aimed at tackling youth unemployment, adding that the initiative is here to stay.

According to him, about 10,000 people in the Central Region have so far benefited from the programme.

He described the current implementation as a pilot phase, noting that the government plans to expand the intake to 100,000 youths nationwide this year.

“The government has Ghanaian youths at heart,” he stated, while advising beneficiaries to avoid behaviours that could lead to dropping out.

He also cautioned trainers, popularly referred to as “madams,” against assigning apprentices tasks unrelated to their training, insisting that beneficiaries should focus strictly on acquiring their vocational skills.

Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive for Upper Denkyira West, Isaac Nsiah, pledged the Assembly’s support for the programme, including intensified monitoring to ensure apprentices are treated fairly.

Hon. Nsiah urged trainers to properly mentor beneficiaries and deliver effective instruction without hindrance.

He further encouraged young people in the district to enrol in large numbers for the benefit of their families, the Assembly, and the nation at large.