Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment says National Apprenticeship Program is non-partisan and key to bridging skills gap

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, has reiterated that the government’s newly launched National Apprenticeship Program is a non-partisan initiative aimed at equipping Ghana’s youth with employable skills.

During a stakeholder engagement in Takoradi, Western Region, the minister stressed that political partisanship has hindered several government programs in the past, citing the Local Enterprises and Skills Development Program (LESDEP), which lost momentum as a result of political interference.

He disclosed that the National Apprenticeship Program is part of the government’s broader efforts to reduce youth unemployment and promote inclusive national development, and will be implemented without any partisan interference.

“We realize that we have a very big skills gap. A lot of our young people fall out of school, we have about 1.5 million young people within the niche bracket, niche means that not in education, not in training, and not in employment.

“The only way we can make them meaningful contributors to our GDP is by giving them the needed skills that they require. That is why we are rolling out this National Apprenticeship Program to give our young ones the needed skills so that they can become meaningful contributors to our GDP.” He stated.

Hon. George Opare Addo explained that the National Apprenticeship Program is designed to offer practical vocational training to young Ghanaians, regardless of their political affiliation or background.

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment further revealed that the program seeks to create opportunities for youth to acquire skills in trades such as tailoring, welding, carpentry, hairdressing, and other vocations, allowing them to become self-sufficient and actively contribute to the nation’s economy.

“When I’m looking for a dressmaker to make my dress, this shirt I was wearing, the tailor who made it, I don’t know which party he belongs to, so it is that same spirit that we are driving into the apprenticeship program so that Ghanians who are well deserving and are willing and able to learn a vocational or a trade will be given the needed skills so they can help support and develop this country for all of us.

Sourc: Elvisanokyenews.net