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Youth

National Apprenticeship Programme Aims to Address Ghana's Youth Employment Challenges

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The National Youth Authority (NYA) is leading the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) to address the country's youth employment challenges by aligning skills training with Ghana's economic realities. The programme, led by Mr. Osman Ayariga, Chief Executive Officer of NYA, aims to formalise the apprenticeship sector, which accounts for 80% of apprenticeship activities but lacks structured training and employment prospects. The NAP plans to empower 500,000 young people over five years, focusing on job creation and self-employment, with a target of 60% female participation and 5-10% inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Apprenticeship Programme is led by the National Youth Authority (NYA) to address Ghana's youth employment challenges.
  • The programme aims to formalise the apprenticeship sector, which accounts for 80% of apprenticeship activities, by providing structured training and employment prospects.
  • Mr. Osman Ayariga, Chief Executive Officer of NYA, outlined the programme's objectives, including empowering 500,000 young people over five years and ensuring inclusivity.
  • The NAP will provide startup kits, apprentice allowances, and direct payment of training fees to master craftspersons.
  • The programme will integrate soft skills such as marketing, human relations, and record-keeping to enhance employability and entrepreneurship.
  • A monitoring and evaluation system will be implemented to track apprentice progress, prevent exploitation, and impose punitive measures on master craftspersons who mistreat apprentices.

Statistics:

  • 80% of apprenticeship activities are covered by the informal apprenticeship sector.
  • 500,000 young people are expected to be empowered over five years through the NAP.
  • 60% of the programme's participants are targeted to be female.
  • 5-10% of the programme's participants are expected to be people with disabilities.
  • The programme aims to provide formal certification and industry-relevant skills to its participants.

Sources:

  • Ghana News Agency, "National Apprenticeship Programme to address youth unemployment" (20 May 2025)
  • Africa Education Watch, "National Apprenticeship Programme: A Strategic Response to Youth Unemployment" (2025)
  • OXFAM, "Supporting the National Apprenticeship Programme" (2025)

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