Government’s skills development and training programme is to create sustainable employment opportunities and improve the incomes of young people, especially women and vulnerable groups.

Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, who said this, explained that equipping young people with the requisite employability skills and mindset was the surest way to reduce the country’s unemployment.

Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase, was speaking at the graduation ceremony and the distribution of startup kits to 242 young people trained under the National Apprenticeship Programme in Asawase, Asokore-Mampong Municipality.

The training programme is a collaboration between the Ghana Enterprises Agency and the Mastercard Foundation.

They were trained in fruit juice processing, catfish aquaculture, and livestock production. ‎

Muntaka Mubarak noted that the initiative, rooted in the NDC's 2024 manifesto, aimed to combat youth unemployment by promoting vocational skills.‎

It also strives to ensure that young men and women, including individuals with disabilities, receive certification, startup support, and pathways to self-employment.‎

According to the MP, the overarching goal was to provide employment and income opportunities for 250,000 youth aged 15-35 nationwide, with 70% women and 10% persons with disabilities.‎

He underscored that, the government was committed to creating diverse opportunities that alleviated poverty, enhance food security, and stimulate local industries.‎

Alhaji Muntaka noted that the government was prepared to monitor progress, tackle challenges, and amplify successes to ensure that every corner of Ghana, including the Asawase constituency, benefited from these initiatives.‎

He explained that the programme was revolutionary in its inclusivity and practicality, partnering with master craftsmen to facilitate training in authentic workshops and on genuine projects.

Apprentices, he said, not only acquired technical skills but also participated in entrepreneurship modules and business management training, and received certification recognised by national authorities.

He noted that quotas had been established to ensure meaningful participation by women, who often face additional barriers, and that provisions had been made to support them.‎

The NDC government was also exploring synergies with other programs, such as Adwumawura and skills partnerships with institutions like the Ghana National Fire Service, to expand opportunities, he stated.‎

Muntaka Mubarak appealed to traditional leaders, the Council of Ulamas, the Christian Council, and the Sarkin Zongo to continue providing guidance and moral support to young entrepreneurs.

“Let this ceremony inspire us all to strive harder, support one another, and construct the prosperous Ghana we all deserve, one skilled youth, one thriving business, one empowered community at a time,” he stated.‎

He also urged the youth not to let doubt or adversity deter them, asserting that with determination, government support, and the blessings of Almighty Allah, they would undoubtedly succeed.