The Ketu North Municipal Assembly in a bid to empower young people through skills development have distributed working equipment and launched an apprenticeship programme aimed at reducing unemployment and promote vocational training among the youth.

Speaking to the media, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Martin Amenaki explained that the initiative aligns with a campaign promise by John Dramani Mahama to roll out a National Apprenticeship Programme. 

He noted that as part of the pilot phase, selected craftsmen were trained and tasked to recruit apprentices within their respective communities to begin the process.

According to him, five master craftsmen were each directed to recruit five apprentices, bringing the total number of beneficiaries in the initial phase to support their training, the apprentices were provided with essential equipment, including sewing machines, knitting machines, and industrial machines to facilitate hands-on learning.

He further disclosed that just two weeks prior to the event, a total of 25 sewing machines, five knitting machines, and five industrial machines were distributed among the selected craftsmen.

Each master trainer received one industrial machine, one knitting machine, and five sewing machines to support the training of their apprentices.

In addition to the government’s intervention, the Member of Parliament also introduced a parallel initiative targeting about 250 young people across the municipality.

Under this arrangement, three individuals from each electoral area are being enrolled into apprenticeship training, with the MP covering registration and training fees to remove financial barriers.

Mr Amenaki urged the youth, particularly young women, to take advantage of the opportunities available and venture into diverse vocational fields beyond traditional trades. 

He emphasised that with such support systems in place, no young person should be left behind due to financial constraints, encouraging all to acquire skills that will enable them to earn sustainable livelihoods within the next few years.