Accra: The Volta Region has received the first batch of equipment for beneficiaries of the National Apprenticeship Programme, marking a significant step in government efforts to expand skills training and youth employment across the Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the equipment was officially received by the Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, alongside the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Minister for Roads and Highways, and representatives of Municipal and District Assemblies. The consignment includes sewing machines, hair dryers, and various tools for trades such as garment making, hairdressing, carpentry, steel works, tiling, and tile fabrication.
The items are to be distributed to beneficiaries at the district level under the supervision of local authorities. Mr. Gunu emphasized the importance of the National Apprenticeship Programme as a flagship government initiative and urged local leaders to organize district-level handover ceremonies. He warned against any form of misuse or sale of the equipment, stating that offenders would face sanctions.
Mr. Johnson Kwabla Samlafo, Volta Regional Coordinator of the National Apprenticeship Programme, described the delivery as a milestone for both master craft persons and apprentices in the Region. He explained that this consignment is part of the total equipment expected, with more batches arriving later due to logistical constraints. Measures have been implemented to track the equipment and prevent illegal sales.
The current pilot phase involves 142 master craft persons, each supervising a minimum of five apprentices, totaling nearly 1,000 beneficiaries. Lessons from this phase, ending in February, will inform the second phase, which aims to expand participation significantly. Nationally, the programme plans to grow from about 10,000 to approximately 100,000 beneficiaries.
Government will provide training stipends to master craft persons, ranging from GHS3,000 to GHS5,000 per apprentice, depending on the training duration and type. Both master craft persons and apprentices are registered on business and digital payment platforms to ensure accountability and transparency, with all payments made directly into verified accounts.
The National Apprenticeship Programme aims to equip young people with practical skills, promote entrepreneurship, and create sustainable employment opportunities, contributing to local economic development across the Volta Region and the country.