Former President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the next National Democratic Congress (NDC) government will implement a comprehensive National Apprenticeship Programme aimed at generating jobs and developing young people’s abilities.
He said that the programme will be carried out by local assemblies, with craftsmen encouraged to involve and employ young people.
The NDC flagbearer, who is on the “Building Ghana We Want Tour” in the Ashanti Region, spoke with residents of New Edubiase, detailing plans to combat young unemployment if elected in 2024.
“For individuals outside the school system, our emphasis is on skill enhancement, enabling them to explore opportunities in hairdressing, seamstressing, and other artisanal crafts. The next NDC government aims to establish a National Apprenticeship Program, with District Assemblies leading the implementation. They will oversee the registration of artisanal business owners and attach the young people with them. Local Assemblies will allocate funding to mentors who will guide these young individuals,” Mr. Mahama promised.
In his interaction with cocoa farmers in New Edubiase, Mr. Mahama said the next NDC will introduce initiatives to help the growth of the cocoa sector.
“The next NDC government will continue previous initiatives to improve the cocoa sector. Additionally, we will provide factories in cocoa-growing areas to ensure we add value to the cocoa beans instead of exporting them in their raw form. This will go a long way to help cocoa farmers, and the factories will also help provide jobs to the youth in these areas,” he stated.