More than 150,000 Ghanaians have enrolled in the National Apprenticeship Programme, organised by the National Youth Authority (NYA).
The National Youth Authority initially projected 10,000 participants for the first phase of the initiative.
In an interview with Citi News on Tuesday, June 24, Deputy CEO for the NYA, Jacob Adongo, indicated that applicants have begun registration and assessment.
According to him, the Authority in July will equip individuals with various apprenticeship skills and resources.
“The young people of this country are very resilient; they are not lazy, and all they need is opportunity, and this type of opportunity has been made available. We want you to take advantage of this opportunity and learn. Strike very hard, let us reduce the alcohol intake, drugs and take advantage of the opportunity,” he advised.
Launched on March 19, the National Apprenticeship Programme is managed by the National Youth Authority (NYA) and focuses on delivering hands-on vocational and technical training.
It also supports individuals recovering from substance abuse and those affected by illegal mining activities, offering them a renewed path toward sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative is a component of the flagship Adwumawura Programme, which was officially launched on Monday, April 28.
The Adwumawura Programme is dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs by offering business training, mentorship, funding, and technological resources.
With a goal of incubating and accelerating 10,000 businesses each year, the initiative targets Ghanaian youth aged 18 to 35.
Participants will gain a wide range of support, such as skills training, mentorship, start-up capital, and essential machinery and equipment to help them launch and grow their businesses.
President Mahama, speaking at the event, highlighted youth unemployment as a major challenge for Ghana and emphasized the programme’s importance in addressing this issue.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to generating sustainable, quality job opportunities for young people, aligning with the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s broader focus on economic growth and innovation.
“This programme is not like others that were announced in the recent past with a lot of fun fair but proved to be mirages without adequate funding to sustain them. Adwumawura is fully funded with adequate allocation proved by the Finance Ministry in the 2025 budget. It is designed to be inclusive, youth led and Ghanaian owned,” the president said.
Funded through a GH₵100 million provision in the 2025 Budget Statement, the initiative received its financial backing from Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson.
Meanwhile, the Youth Development and Empowerment Minister George Opare Addo urged the country’s young people to take full advantage of the programme, noting its potential to transform their lives and contribute to Ghana’s progress.