Africa-Press – Ghana. The National Youth Authority (NYA) is leading the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) to align youth employment with Ghana’s economic realities.
The NAP goes beyond traditional vocational training, addressing skills gaps and promoting entrepreneurship.
Mr Osman Ayariga, Chief Executive Officer of NYA, announced the initiative during the Young People’s Forum on the National Apprenticeship Programme, organised by Africa Education Watch and supported by OXFAM.
He described the programme, a key promise of President John Mahama, as a strategic response to youth unemployment, which he called both an economic and national security concern.
Mr. Ayariga said the NAP aimed to formalise the apprenticeship sector, which accounts for 80 per cent of apprenticeship activities but lacked structured training and employment prospects.
“We cannot end up training 500,000 seamstresses and hairdressing persons. We need to look at what the market is actually seeking, what the opportunities are, and consider contemporary times and modern programmes,” he said.
To ensure sustainability, he said NAP will provide startup kits, apprentice allowances, and direct payment of training fees to master craftspersons.
He emphasised the need for formal certification and the integration of soft skills such as marketing, human relations, and record-keeping, to enhance employability and entrepreneurship.
Mr Ayariga also outlined a monitoring and evaluation system to track apprentice progress, prevent exploitation, and impose punitive measures on master craftspersons who mistreat apprentices.
The NAP aims to empower 500,000 young people over five years, focusing on job creation and self-employment. It will absorb individuals not in employment, education, or training (NEET) and equip them with industry-relevant skills.
The programme targets 60 per cent female participation and 5-10 per cent inclusion of persons with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity.
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