The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment (MYDE) has officially handed over 16 pickup vehicles to the National Youth Authority (NYA) to support the effective implementation of the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) across the country.
The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, who led the handing-over ceremony, stated that the vehicles are intended to support National Apprenticeship Coordinators in the 16 regions to efficiently supervise master craft persons and apprentices.
He noted that the availability of reliable transportation would enhance monitoring, improve coordination, and ensure the timely achievement of the programme’s objectives.
Mr. Opare Addo further urged the coordinators to take good care of the vehicles so that beneficiaries of the Apprenticeship Programme can continue to derive maximum benefit from them.
He explained that tracking devices have been installed to prevent misuse and ensure accountability.
The Minister also cautioned the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority to closely supervise the use of the vehicles, stressing that management would be held responsible for any misuse.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Osman Ayariga, indicated that the National Apprenticeship Programme is currently training about 14,000 beneficiaries nationwide, with plans to scale up to 100,000 trainees in line with the commitment made by President John Dramani Mahama.
He emphasized that every successful programme requires adequate logistics and capital investment, making the provision of the vehicles both timely and necessary.
According to him, the vehicles will facilitate the work of the coordinators in their respective regions and support the mandate given to the Authority by the President.
Mr. Ayariga concluded by stating that the National Apprenticeship Programme goes beyond skills acquisition, as it is a key driver of industrialisation and a strategic initiative to position Ghana as a global hub for skills development.
Speaking on behalf of the Regional Coordinators, the Volta Regional Coordinator for NAP, Johnson Korbla Samlafo, expressed gratitude to MYDE and NYA for the provision of the vehicles.
He noted that the availability of logistics and equipment will significantly enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the delivery of hands-on, skills-based training to apprentices across the country.