The National Youth Authority (NYA) has lauded the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) as a profoundly transformative social initiative, with CEO Osman Abdullai Ayariga, Esq., declaring it “the greatest social intervention programme in Ghana’s history.” This significant statement was made during the official distribution of essential tools and equipment to the inaugural batch of beneficiaries in the Greater Accra Region, marking a crucial milestone in Ghana’s journey towards youth empowerment and economic resilience.

Mr. Ayariga underscored that the NAP extends beyond mere training, aiming to empower young Ghanaians with the requisite skills, tools, and confidence to generate opportunities and stimulate economic growth. He affirmed that the programme represents a long-term, invaluable investment in Ghana’s human capital. President John Dramani Mahama has consistently championed the belief that investing in young people is tantamount to investing in Ghana's future, reinforcing that youth empowerment is not charity but a vital asset.

The beneficiaries, including those from tailoring, carpentry, electrical work, and beauty services, received critical equipment such as sewing machines, dryers, toolboxes, and safety gear. The programme, which initially launched in Tamale last year, is set to significantly scale up, targeting an expansion from 10,000 apprentices to an impressive 100,000 annually by 2026. This ambitious expansion is backed by a substantial GH¢300 million allocation in the 2025 budget.

The NYA CEO highlighted that NAP is meticulously aligned with the NDC 2024 manifesto, which prominently features priorities such as inclusive growth, robust youth empowerment, and sustainable job creation. Mr. Ayariga stressed the programme's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that no young Ghanaian is excluded due to financial or social barriers, and specifically extending opportunities to marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities and those within informal unions. This initiative ensures that financial barriers no longer prevent young people from accessing vocational training.

Furthermore, Mr. Ayariga reiterated the indispensable role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in fostering industrialisation and effectively reducing unemployment. By seamlessly integrating apprenticeships into the national development agenda, Ghana is actively bridging the critical gap between education and employment, thereby building a resilient workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of a dynamic economy. He also issued a heartfelt call to master craft persons, communities, and private sector partners to provide mentorship and create avenues for these apprentices to thrive, acknowledging that the programme’s success hinges on collective effort.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Ayariga encouraged the beneficiaries to perceive the distributed equipment as more than just tools. He proclaimed them as “instruments of independence, dignity, and hope” and “symbols of opportunity.” He envisioned a future where these “seeds of resilience, innovation, and prosperity” blossom into a nation where every young person possesses the skills, confidence, and opportunities to succeed. “When we empower our youth, we empower Ghana,” he passionately stated, encapsulating the profound impact of the NAP.