48 Apprentices receive tools under National Apprentice Programme
The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for Tema, Ebi Bright, has handed over tools to 48 apprentices under the National Apprentice Programme, reaffirming the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through skills development, during the presentation of tools and equipment to trainees under the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) in Tema.
Speaking at a ceremony held last Monday to hand over tools and equipment to 48 beneficiaries of the programme in Tema, Ms Bright stressed the importance of investing in young people through practical skills training.
Items distributed included manual sewing machines, industrial sewing machines with tables, electrical toolboxes, safety boots and other trade equipment.
She described Tema as Ghana’s industrial hub and emphasised the importance of practical skills training in tackling unemployment among young people.
“We are here for a practical reason, to put tools in the hands of young people who have earned them. These tools are meant to turn training into an enterprise,” she stated.
She said the programme was providing hope and direction to many unemployed youth and praised its structure, which combined practical and theoretical learning.
Resources
Ms Bright also commended President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment for supporting the initiative with substantial investment.
She added that the government had committed significant resources towards skills development, with the programme already expanding beyond its initial target.
“The first phase targeted 10,000 apprentices across all 261 districts, but we are hearing the number has increased to over 16,000,” she said.
Employment
The Greater Accra Regional Coordinator of the National Apprenticeship Programme, Jones Klutse, explained that the programme, launched in Tamale in 2025, was designed to reduce youth unemployment through vocational and technical skills training.
Mr Klutse disclosed that the government was funding apprenticeship training costs, paying allowances to master craft persons, and providing free certification and startup tools to beneficiaries upon completion.
He further revealed that apprentices would receive free National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) certification upon completion of training, in addition to startup tools and equipment to help establish their own businesses.
“These tools are your learning equipment.
Once you graduate, the government will provide you with a brand-new set that you can take home as your startup capital,” he said.
Mr Klutse emphasised the importance of skills training to national development, citing countries such as Germany and Switzerland as examples of nations that transformed their economies through technical and vocational education.
He urged beneficiaries to take the programme seriously and avoid selling the equipment provided to them.
Appreciation
Some beneficiaries applauded the government and expressed optimism that they would make good use of the opportunity to improve their livelihoods and contribute positively to society.
A master craftsman, Christian Adjavorn, commended the government for not only distributing tools but also creating sustainable income opportunities for young people and supporting family welfare.
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