The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Hon. Osman Ayariga, has hailed the National Apprenticeship Program (NAP) as the greatest social intervention in the history of Ghana.
He made this bold declaration during a stakeholder engagement session organized by the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment (MYDE) in collaboration with the NYA to provide insights into the ongoing implementation of the NAP.
Addressing participants, Hon. Osman Ayariga highlighted the transformative potential of the program, emphasizing that it would not only reduce youth unemployment but also enhance artisanal skills and promote entrepreneurship across the country.
“This program is more than a training initiative; it is the greatest social intervention in Ghana’s history,” he stated. “We are offering competitive allowances, quality training, and providing all the necessary tools for our young people to thrive.”
He further urged beneficiaries of the program to take full advantage of social media platforms to promote their work and increase visibility. “In this digital age, using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to showcase your craft can open doors you never imagined,” he said.
Hon. Osman Ayariga also emphasized the importance of cooperation among apprentices, diligence in learning, and the need for discipline and professionalism. He called on master craft persons to set high standards and instill strong values in their trainees.
Speaking at the same event, the National Coordinator of NAP, Mr. Nicodamus NB D Dery, described the program as a flagship initiative of the current government, designed to be more practical than theoretical. He revealed that 40% of the program slots have been reserved for women, and 5% for persons with disabilities—a marked improvement on previous initiatives.
The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, also addressed the gathering and cautioned beneficiaries that guarantors of apprentices who breach the program’s rules may face legal consequences.
He called on master craft persons to provide high-quality training and highlighted the importance of financial literacy and cooperative law education as part of the apprenticeship process. “We are not just training young people; we are shaping the future of our industries,” he said.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the success of NAP, adding that all apprenticeship fees will be absorbed and beneficiaries will receive the tools needed for their trades.
The National Apprenticeship Program is a strategic initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment by equipping young Ghanaians with essential artisanal skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable employment through practical, hands-on training.
