President John Mahama has told the Overlord of Dagbon state, His Royal Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, that his government is poised to train over 5,000 young people from the Northern region of Ghana in the areas of technical and vocational skills.

According to the president, the initiative will be part of his 24-hour economy agenda under the National Apprenticeship Programme he recently launched.

He said this when the traditional leader paid a courtesy call on him on Friday at the presidency in Accra.

"Over 5,000 youth from the Northern region are expected to be trained in employable skills, such as carpentry, welding, tailoring, shea butter processing, and agribusiness," he told the Chief.

As part of additional efforts to invest in the northern part of the country, the president disclosed that, "I look forward to launching a pilot 24-hour economy zone in the Northern region."