The National Youth Authority has taken a significant step toward strengthening vocational and technical skills development in the Bono East Region with the distribution of essential working equipment to 660 apprentices and masters under the National Apprenticeship Programme.
The equipment distributed includes industrial sewing machines, hair dryers, and other trade-specific tools designed to enhance hands-on training in vocational areas such as tailoring, hairdressing, glazing, and electrical work. The intervention is designed to enhance practical skills development while creating better learning conditions for both apprentices and their trainers. In addition to the tools, there is an assurance of a provision of monthly allowances to apprentices and their masters which is expected to motivate effective skills transfer, ease financial pressures, and improve overall productivity throughout the learning period.
The distribution ceremony, held at the Bono East Regional Coordinating Council attracted government officials, beneficiaries, opinion leaders, and community members, reflecting the importance of skills development as a key driver of youth empowerment and job creation.
Addressing the gathering, the Regional Minister of Bono East, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi said the initiative aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s Vision of creating an enabling environment that equips young Ghanaians with employable, market-relevant skills.
He noted that technical and vocational education remains one of the most effective solutions to youth unemployment and economic vulnerability.
Hon.Owusu Antwi mentioned that, the National Apprenticeship Programme goes beyond training by ensuring that beneficiaries have access to the necessary tools and financial support to practice their trades effectively, thereby improving their prospects for employment or self-employment upon completion.
He encouraged beneficiaries to remain committed and disciplined throughout the training period stressing that the success of the programme depends largely on their dedication to mastering their chosen trades. He added that the programmes are another avenue to curb youth unemployment in the region.
On his part, the Bono East Regional Cordinator National Apprenticeship Programme, Kofi Baba touched on the relevance of the programme, stating that skills training initiatives play a critical role in preventing youth involvement in social vices by providing them with meaningful economic opportunities and a sense of purpose.
He advised beneficiaries to take advantage lavised on them by the government, and cautioned them to exhibit the act of commitment, self-dedication to their selected trades which will transform their lives in the future.
Hon.Isaac Donkor, DCE Kintampo North express appreciation to the President of the Republic of Ghana and the Regional Minister, indicating that the programme is one of the major campaign promises of the National Democratic Congress NDC and the John Dramani Mahama’s Government of improving the lives of many youth through the National Apprenticeship Programme.
“We will take knee interest in it by making sure effective supervision and monitoring are taken into consideration for future development. “He lamented.
Story by: Anita Frimpong
