We will not politicize NAP—it’s for all—Minister

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, has assured Ghanaians that the National Apprenticeship Program (NAP) will be implemented without political bias.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement session in Takoradi in the Western Region, the minister emphasized that partisan politics has derailed many government initiatives in the past, including the Local Enterprises and Skills Development Program (LESDEP), which lost traction due to political interference.

“We will not allow politics to ruin the NAP. This program is for every Ghanaian youth, regardless of political affiliation,” he declared, stressing that the initiative will be rolled out fairly and transparently. The minister added that the ministry is committed to ensuring that no youth feels excluded or marginalized because of their political background.

Hon. Opare Addo noted that the NAP is a critical tool in addressing youth unemployment and providing a sustainable pathway for economic independence. “We want to build a Ghana where every young person has the opportunity to acquire skills and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development,” he said.

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Mr. Osman Abdulai Ayariga Esq., highlighted that the NAP is a strategic response to youth unemployment, which, according to World Bank data, stood at 5.413% in 2024. He noted that President John Dramani Mahama’s government initiated the NAP as part of its reset agenda to create jobs and empower young people.

“Empowering the informal sector is key because that’s where most of our youth are,” Mr. Ayariga stated, adding that the NAP will equip young people with practical, employable skills. He emphasized that the government’s goal is to ensure the youth can earn sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Mr. Ayariga also explained the importance of engaging stakeholders at the regional level. “We came to listen and understand the real concerns of trainers, artisans, and apprentices to make sure the program is responsive and effective,” he said. He assured that although the initial rollout will train about 10,000 youth, subsequent phases will cover more beneficiaries.

For his part, the National Coordinator of NAP, Mr. Nicodamus Dery, provided an overview of the program’s framework. He explained that the NAP will focus on aligning apprenticeships with labor market needs, enhancing standards in training centers, and ensuring rigorous monitoring for quality outcomes. “Our objective is clear: equip young people with skills that will transform their lives and communities,” he said.

Mr. Dery encouraged NAP officers and trainers to commit fully to the program’s success. “Your dedication is crucial. We must make this program a model for effective skills training so future generations will look back and see this as a turning point for youth empowerment,” he urged.

The engagement session in Takoradi brought together stakeholders from across the informal sector, including master craftsmen, apprenticeship association leaders, and regional youth officers, all of whom expressed optimism about the program’s potential to transform the livelihoods of Ghanaian youth.