The Minister-designate for the Northern Region, Ali Adolf John, has committed to launching an apprenticeship training programme aimed at equipping young people in the region with practical skills and opportunities to curb rural-urban migration.

Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, 23rd January, he outlined his goal of making the Northern Region a more attractive place for young people, reducing the need for them to migrate to Greater Accra in search of better opportunities.

He explained that his apprenticeship initiative would offer training in trades such as hairdressing, sewing, and petty trading. "This apprenticeship project will be open to those interested in becoming hairdressers, seamstresses, or engaging in petty trading. We will provide support packages to help them enter these fields and succeed," he said.

He shared an example of young people travelling from the North to Accra with the aim of purchasing sewing machines or hairdryers to start a small business. However, due to financial or logistical challenges, many end up doing other work instead.

"Some young people come all the way from the North to Accra, only to find themselves doing something completely different because they can't afford the equipment they need," he said.

He believes that by offering these apprenticeship programmes locally, young people can stay in the North and still pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

“If confirmed as the Northern Regional Minister, I will ensure that all district assemblies under my jurisdiction are actively involved in supporting these programmes,” he stated. “I will personally oversee their implementation to ensure they meet the needs of the youth and help prevent unnecessary migration to Accra."

He further pledged to work closely with District Chief Executives (DCEs) to make providing local opportunities for youth a top priority. "We will ensure that all DCEs do their best to prevent the migration of young girls and boys from their districts to Accra. This is a matter I will take very seriously," he affirmed.

As part of the initiative, he plans to distribute essential resources such as sewing machines and hairdryers, and connect participants with skilled mentors to help them refine their craft. "Each year, we will provide resources like sewing machines and hairdryers, and connect the youth with master craftsmen and women to help them develop their skills. This process will be continuous and expand over time," he added.

By offering these opportunities, potentially at no cost or at subsidised rates, he believes many young people who have already migrated to Accra will be encouraged to return to the Northern Region and contribute to its economic development.

Adolf John emphasised that the initiative aims not only to curb rural-urban migration but also to foster local development by equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive within their communities. "I firmly believe that introducing this apprenticeship programme will encourage those who have migrated to Accra to return to the region and actively contribute to its growth and prosperity," he said.