UE/R: THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM UNDUCTS 1,200 APPRENTICES IN UPPER EAST

BY: VALERIUS ATUIMAH

The Upper East Regional Directorate of the National Youth Authority (NYA) celebrated the matriculation and induction of 1,200 apprentices and over 200 master crafts persons. The ceremony was held at the Regional Jubilee Park in Bolgatanga on Saturday, September 30, 2025. The event, under the auspices of the Ministry for Youth Development & Empowerment, is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing unemployment and empowering the youth through skills training.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga; the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Roland Ayoo Atanga; and the National Coordinator of the National Apprenticeship Program (NAP), Nicodemus N.B.D. Derry. The Upper East Regional Coordinator for NAP, Mr. James Gbandan Konzabre, hosted the colourful event. Apprentices and master crafts persons were selected from all the districts in the Upper East.

In his address, Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga highlighted the program’s alignment with national strategies to reduce unemployment, utilize human capital, and promote industrialization. He encouraged the apprentices, stating that skills training is a “strategic pathway to success and entrepreneurship” and that the skills they acquire will be “keys to your independence, dignity and prosperity”. He also invited private sector partners to collaborate with the program to strengthen Ghana’s artisanal sector.

A goodwill message from the Federation of Private Traditional Apprenticeship and Garages (FEPTAG) was delivered by Mr. Abubakari Musa, who congratulated the apprentices and wished them success. The President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, Chiana Pio, HRH Pe-Ditundini Adiali Ayagitan II, conveyed greetings from the traditional council and stressed that the program is a “lifeline” connecting untapped talent with opportunities. He urged the apprentices to approach their training with discipline, curiosity, and resilience, emphasizing that NAP is their “launchpad to personal and professional excellence”. HRH Pe-Ditundini also noted that the program is inclusive, welcoming young women and people with disabilities, thereby promoting gender equality.

Hon. James Gbandan Konzabre, the regional NAP coordinator, provided insight into the program’s structure. He revealed that the pilot phase aims to train 10,000 beneficiaries across all 16 regions in nine priority trade areas. He highlighted the government’s support, which includes absorbing training fees, providing workplace insurance, monthly stipends, and start-up kits. Konzabre also cautioned apprentices that abandoning the program would result in financial repercussions for their guarantors.

Mr. Nicodemus Derry, the National NAP Coordinator, representing the Minister for Youth Development & Empowerment, highlighted the critical role of the informal sector, noting that 80% of Ghana’s population works in this sector, contributing 40% to the GDP. He credited the program’s creation to president John Dramani Mahama. Mr. Derry stated that over 120,000 applications have been received nationwide and that 500,000 youth will be trained in specialized skills over four years. He also announced that the government has committed GHS300 million to the program for the year. The ceremony concluded with the apprentices taking a pledge to uphold the values of discipline, hard work, and respect.

Mr. Atoosiko Godfred, a beneficiary master craftsman in leatherworks from the Builsa North, spoke on behalf of people living with disabilities. He praised the program as an opportunity for people with disabilities to showcase their skills. Mr. Godfred expressed gratitude for the opportunity to receive a C-TVET certificate, which they previously couldn’t obtain. He, however, appealed for more materials to be provided to help them train apprentices effectively and “solve problems in society”. He ended his remarks by stating, “Disability is never inability,” to raise awareness about the capabilities of people with disabilities.

The event concluded with closing remarks and group photos, capturing the spirit of hope and a shared vision for a brighter future for Ghana’s youth.