The Ga East Municipal Assembly has taken a significant step toward strengthening vocational training and youth empowerment by equipping master craft persons and apprentices with essential tools under the government’s flagship National Apprenticeship Program.
The presentation and distribution ceremony, held earlier today in the municipality, formed part of the nationwide rollout of the initiative being implemented by the central government under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama. The event brought together municipal and regional executives, program coordinators, master craft persons, and apprentices who constitute the first batch of beneficiaries under the scheme.
Addressing the media, the Personal Assistant to the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Benjamin Asante Nyarko, described the occasion as historic and transformative for skills development in the area. He noted that the event marks the first phase of the program’s implementation within the municipality, with beneficiaries recognized as “pioneers” of what is expected to become a long-term, life-changing initiative.
According to Mr. Nyarko, the success of the National Apprenticeship Program will depend largely on the commitment, discipline, and collaboration of both master craft persons and trainees. He emphasized that the initiative is not a one-time intervention but a continuous and evolving program designed to expand opportunities for vocational and technical training across the country.
While acknowledging that the current rollout represents a modest beginning, he assured stakeholders that the program would grow steadily through periodic evaluations, monitoring, and structured assessments. He further disclosed that additional applicants are expected to benefit in subsequent phases as the scope of the program widens.
The initiative is closely aligned with the government’s broader economic transformation agenda, particularly its vision of building a 24-hour economy that promotes productivity, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods. Officials explained that by investing in practical skills training, the government aims to empower young people to become self-reliant, entrepreneurial, and capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
Under the scheme, apprenticeship training ranges between six months and one year, depending on the specific trade being pursued. In most cases, the standard training duration is one year. Upon completion and graduation of a cohort, a new group of trainees will be enrolled, ensuring that the program operates as a continuous cycle rather than a one-off event.
Authorities revealed that more than 100,000 individuals nationwide have already subscribed to receive training under the initiative, demonstrating the strong demand for vocational skills and the growing recognition that technical expertise is a pathway to economic independence.
The program spans a wide variety of trades, including dressmaking, beauty services, cake making, engineering, and several other craft-based and technical professions. Master craft persons who operate accredited training centers are encouraged to apply for inclusion in the program. Once approved, trainees are allocated to them to receive structured, supervised, and hands-on training.
Beyond providing practical instruction, the program also supplies essential tools and equipment to support effective learning. In addition, apprentices receive monthly stipends to ease financial burdens during their training period. Officials stressed that these resources are funded by taxpayers, making accountability and transparency critical components of the initiative.
To ensure proper implementation, program coordinators will conduct visits to training centers across the municipality. These visits will focus on educating both master craft persons and trainees about the program’s terms of engagement, as well as clearly outlining their respective roles and responsibilities. A comprehensive code of conduct will guide the relationship between trainers and apprentices to prevent exploitation, promote professionalism, and maintain high standards.
Authorities underscored that while apprentices are being financially supported and provided with machines and equipment, they are expected to demonstrate dedication, punctuality, and respect for the opportunity offered to them. Likewise, master craft persons are required to provide quality supervision, structured instruction, and a safe learning environment.
He concluded by urging beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity, emphasizing that skills acquisition remains one of the most valuable and enduring assets any individual can possess. With strong collaboration, effective monitoring, and gradual expansion, the National Apprenticeship Program is expected to make a lasting impact on employment creation and economic growth within the municipality and beyond.
Story by: Ernest Frimpong (0247220948) | Follow our social media handles @uktvghana | DM us for Ads on our website or any of our socials
