Equipment under the pilot phase of the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) has been distributed across all 18 districts in the Volta Region, with 740 beneficiaries receiving tools to begin skills training.
The Volta Regional Coordinator of NAP, Johnson Samlafo Korbla, confirmed on Saturday that equipment arrived in the region last week and has been handed over to all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) for presentation to beneficiaries.
On Saturday, February 7, South Tongu, Anlo, and Keta districts held formal ceremonies to present the equipment to master craft persons and apprentices. The events attracted traditional authorities including chiefs and queen mothers, party members and key stakeholders.
Maxwell Kwame Lukutor, Member of Parliament (MP) for South Tongu, attended the ceremony alongside South Tongu District Chief Executive (DCE) Victoria Dzeklo. Keta MP Dzidzorli Gakpe participated in the Keta event alongside DCE Seade, while Anlo MP Sefe joined DCE Sandra for that district’s presentation.
Korbla commended President John Dramani Mahama for prioritising skills development and youth empowerment through practical interventions. He noted that the pilot phase is targeting about 10,000 beneficiaries nationwide, with the Volta Region securing 740 places.
The regional coordinator disclosed that the Mahama administration plans to scale up the programme to cover 100,000 beneficiaries nationwide this year as part of efforts to tackle unemployment and equip young people with sustainable livelihood skills.
He expressed appreciation to the government for implementing policies that directly impact ordinary Ghanaians, particularly youth and artisans. According to him, the Volta Region remains a major beneficiary of government interventions.
The National Apprenticeship Programme was launched in Tamale in May 2025 by President Mahama with a budget allocation of GH¢300 million for 2025. The initiative combines structured classroom instruction with hands-on workplace learning under qualified trainers and master craft persons.
Beneficiaries receive free training, monthly stipends, and essential startup equipment upon graduation. The programme covers trades including tailoring, carpentry, hairdressing, auto mechanics, masonry, plumbing, electrical installation, and catering.
The Volta Region officially inaugurated NAP with a matriculation and induction ceremony at the Jubilee Park in Ho in August 2025, enrolling 2,060 apprentices who will undergo training under 412 master craft persons. The current equipment distribution represents the latest phase of implementation.
NAP is part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle Ghana’s 12.6 per cent youth unemployment rate and address the 29 per cent of young people not in education, employment, or training. The initiative aims to strengthen local industries and create sustainable employment opportunities.
