The government has unveiled an ambitious plan to equip 500,000 young people with employable skills over the next four years under the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP).

The initiative is designed to empower beneficiaries to start their own businesses and contribute to Ghana’s economic growth.

Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, announced the programme during a matriculation ceremony in Kumasi for 2,350 youth from the Ashanti Region who are beginning their training under NAP.

Participants will receive hands-on training across multiple sectors, including ICT, agriculture and agro-processing, craftsmanship, artisanal trades, mechanical and electrical works, fashion and textiles, cosmetology, renewable energy, hospitality and tourism, as well as emerging digital crafts.

Mr. Opare Addo explained that trainees will be given monthly stipends to support their participation.

However, he emphasised that payment would be contingent upon proper monitoring and validation of their attendance and commitment to training sessions.

He further disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has committed GHS300 million to the National Youth Authority to sustain the programme and provide young people with the resources needed to transform their skills into viable businesses.

Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, also lauded the initiative, describing it as a timely and commendable intervention to tackle youth unemployment.