GH₵300M Apprenticeship Programme Offers Lifeline to Over 500,000 Ghanaian Youth

 

In a bid to tackle youth unemployment and bridge the country’s skills gap, the government has launched a massive national apprenticeship programme aimed at training 500,000 young people in practical, industry-relevant skills over the next four years.

Unveiled by President Akufo-Addo on April 30, 2025, at the University for Development Studies in Tamale, the initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment through the National Youth Authority, with a firm commitment to inclusivity and long-term impact.

Speaking at the government’s Accountability Series, Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Mr. George Opare-Addo, said the programme is not only one of the largest skills development efforts in Ghana’s history, but also one of the most well-resourced.

“This year alone, the President has approved GH₵300 million through the Ministry of Finance to support the programme. It’s not just about giving young people skills, but making them employable or ready to start their own businesses,” the Minister noted.

Already, over 115,000 applications have been received for the programme. Of these, 95,819 are trainees and 19,190 are trainers, demonstrating strong demand on both ends. Notably, 39,326 of the applicants are women, 18,571 are men, and 730 are youth with disabilities — a sign of the government’s commitment to inclusion.

The programme, which begins rolling out on August 12, 2025, will partner with private sector stakeholders and technical institutions to train young people in artisanal, technical, and vocational fields. Selected beneficiaries will not only receive training but also mentorship and post-training support to help them transition into the job market or launch their own ventures.

“This is about giving young people real tools to survive and succeed. We are targeting employability and enterprise creation, not just training for training’s sake,” Mr. Opare-Addo emphasized.

On the issue of delayed youth infrastructure projects such as Astro Turfs and Youth Centers, the Minister assured the public that the Ministry is actively reviewing and repackaging them for funding and completion.

The National Apprenticeship Programme marks a significant step forward in addressing the country’s growing youth unemployment challenge and demonstrates the government’s renewed focus on practical, inclusive, and long-term youth empowerment.