The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, has described the National Apprenticeship Program (NAP) as the greatest social intervention in Ghana’s history.

He remarked during a stakeholder engagement session organised by the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment (MYDE) in collaboration with the NYA to provide updates on the ongoing implementation of the program.

“This program is more than a training initiative; it is the greatest social intervention in Ghana’s history,” Ayariga declared.

“We are offering competitive allowances, quality training, and providing all the necessary tools for our young people to thrive.”

He stressed the transformative potential of NAP in addressing youth unemployment, enhancing artisanal skills, and promoting entrepreneurship nationwide.

Mr Ayariga also encouraged beneficiaries to leverage digital platforms to promote their work. “In this digital age, using TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to showcase your craft can open doors you never imagined,” he said.

The NYA CEO further called for discipline, professionalism, and cooperation among apprentices, urging master craft persons to set high standards and instil strong values in their trainees.

Nicodamus N.B. Dery, National Coordinator of NAP, described the program as a flagship initiative of the current government.

He noted that it prioritises practical over theoretical training and highlighted its inclusiveness, revealing that 40% of slots are reserved for women and 5% for persons with disabilities—a significant improvement over past initiatives.

Also addressing the event, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, warned that guarantors of apprentices who breach program rules may face legal consequences.

He emphasised the importance of high-quality training, financial literacy, and cooperative law education as key components of the apprenticeship process.

“We are not just training young people; we are shaping the future of our industries,” the Minister said.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully absorbing apprenticeship fees and providing beneficiaries with the necessary tools for their trades.

The National Apprenticeship Program is a strategic initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment by equipping young Ghanaians with hands-on artisanal skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and enabling sustainable livelihoods across the country.