The Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG) has thrown its weight behind the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), describing it as a vital intervention for skills development, job creation, and the overall growth of the construction and built environment industry.

Speaking ahead of the Association’s upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Accra, President of ABCECG, Mr Anthony Klutse, said the initiative has the potential to revolutionise the construction sector by producing a pool of well-trained Ghanaian artisans, thereby reducing the industry’s dependence on foreign labour, particularly from neighbouring Togo.

“If the programme is implemented effectively, it can help eliminate the unfortunate trend where Ghanaian contractors bypass unemployed local youth in favour of Togolese artisans,” Mr Klutse stated in an interview.

The National Apprenticeship Programme, launched by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, seeks to equip thousands of young Ghanaians annually with practical, employable skills. The launch event, held at the University for Development Studies (UDS) auditorium in Tamale, signalled the beginning of what many see as a national skills revolution.

Backed by a GH¢300 million allocation in the 2025 national budget, the programme will cover full training costs and provide monthly stipends for participants across all 261 districts.

Training modules under the NAP will vary in duration—ranging from short courses (2 to 4 months) to long-term apprenticeships (12 to 18 months), depending on the specific trade and the trainee’s prior experience.

Mr Klutse stressed the need for a collaborative and inclusive approach to ensure that the training provided aligns with industry needs. He said the ABCECG is ready and willing to collaborate with the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service (GTVET) to ensure that trainees gain hands-on experience that is relevant to real-world demands.

“We do not want a situation where these young people complete their training but remain unemployed because their skills don’t match what the market requires. Government must work closely with contractors and professionals to shape the curriculum in line with industry expectations,” he said.

He also praised the government for its broader efforts to revitalise Ghana’s economy, expressing strong support for the proposed 24-hour economy policy. According to him, the construction sector is well-positioned to take full advantage of a 24-hour work cycle, provided that supporting infrastructure—such as lighting, security, and transportation—is in place.

“Some aspects of construction are more efficient at night when the weather is cooler and traffic is lighter. With the right support, many contractors will adopt night shifts. The 24-hour economy is essentially a contractor’s policy, and it must be pursued with urgency,” he stated.

Mr Klutse said the upcoming AGM will offer members an opportunity to review the Association’s progress over the past year and chart a new strategic direction. The meeting, held annually, plays a critical role in shaping the Association’s priorities and contribution to national development.

He also urged the government to prioritise the revival and expansion of Ghana’s low-cost housing agenda, saying the apprenticeship programme could serve as a pipeline of skilled labour for such projects.

“Low-cost housing must be available in every municipality. The apprenticeship programme will supply the qualified workforce needed to support this. In the medium to long term, government must aim to build low-cost housing in every district,” he suggested.

Mr Klutse further welcomed the government’s decision to uncap the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), describing it as a step that will unlock critical resources needed to complete numerous stalled infrastructure projects across the country.

He reaffirmed the Association’s confidence in the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama and pledged the group’s full support for his vision of resetting and developing Ghana.

“President Mahama has taken this mission seriously, and we support him fully. Our Association stands ready to deliver results because that is what the nation urgently needs,” Mr Klutse concluded.