Efforts to address youth unemployment in the Ahafo Ano South-West District have received a boost as the District Assembly rolls out a skills training initiative under the National Apprenticeship Program (NAP).
The programme will support 30 young people to acquire vocational skills through structured apprenticeship training, with the Assembly committing GHS 90,000.00 to engage six master craft persons to mentor the trainees. Each trainer will receive GHS 15,000.00 to train five apprentices over a four-year period.
Speaking at the distribution of sewing equipment to beneficiaries, Mr Sedik Abubakar, District Chief Executive, said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to equip the youth with employable skills and reduce dependency on limited formal sector jobs.
In addition to the training, each apprentice will receive a monthly stipend of GHS 500.00 to support them throughout the pilot phase of the programme.
To enhance practical learning, the Assembly also distributed 30 hand sewing machines and six industrial machines, valued at GHS 220,000.00, to 36 fashion designers in the district. The equipment is expected to strengthen hands-on training and improve productivity among beneficiaries.
Mr Abubakar urged participants to take the programme seriously, stressing that acquiring technical skills could lead to sustainable livelihoods and financial independence. He added that the Assembly would closely monitor both trainers and trainees to ensure the programme’s success.
Mr Patrick Opoku Fofie, Ashanti Regional Coordinator of the programme, disclosed that 34 district assemblies in the region are already participating in the pilot phase, which is expected to benefit up to 100,000 young people.
He called on stakeholders to support the initiative, noting that expanding vocational training opportunities is key to creating jobs and driving economic development.
The programme highlights a growing shift toward technical and vocational education as a practical solution to youth unemployment in Ghana.
