Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment George Opare Addo, has disclosed that all other measures are in place to roll out the National Service Authority military training programme except for funds.

He explained that the Finance Ministry is yet to disburse funds for the programme, however, two of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama's flagship programs for the ministry, the Adwumawura Program and National Apprenticeship Programme, are currently running.

"The only one that should have started last year, we've done everything, but finance has not released funds yet. But we are still in talks with the Finance Minister and he has assured us that this year, we will have the funds to roll that program out," Mr Opare Addo said, while taking Her Excellency, the Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman, through programs being implemented at the Ministry of Youth, Development, and Creation.

In April 2025, President John Dramani Mahama announced that National Service Personnel (NSPs) across Ghana will undergo up to two months of military-style training starting August 3, 2025, as part of a new initiative dubbed the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme (NSERRP).

The initiative is intended to equip service personnel with foundational military drills and a sense of national duty.

Speaking at a high-level meeting on April 23, Director-General of the NSA, Felix Gyamfi, described the move as essential for cultivating patriotism and resilience among Ghana’s youth.

“The introduction of this military training is a step in the right direction and must be embraced by all and sundry as one of the indicators for resetting the country, particularly the youth,” Gyamfi noted.

He confirmed that all NSPs would participate in basic military drills and orientation during their service, describing the training as a vital component of national development and identity-building.

Representing the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier General Amoah-Boakye affirmed the military’s full commitment to the programme, assuring the NSA of the army’s readiness to support and deliver the required training once the programme launches.

The initiative reflects the vision of President John Dramani Mahama, who outlined the programme during his maiden State of the Nation Address to Parliament on February 27, 2025. It forms part of a broader agenda to instill discipline, national pride, and physical preparedness in the country’s graduates.

"To achieve a legally robust regime to govern National Service, I have also tasked the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment to coordinate and present to Parliament a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to support the implementation of the newly passed National Service Authority Act 2024 (Act 1119)," President Mahama stated.

Ghana joins a host of nations—such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and China—that have integrated some form of military service or basic drills into their national service programmes. These models range from mandatory conscription, as seen in Russia, to more symbolic or limited training, such as in the United States, where compulsory service exists legally but is rarely enforced.

The NSERRP initiative is expected to not only provide practical survival and leadership skills to service personnel but also help instill a deeper sense of duty and discipline among Ghana’s next generation of leaders.

The late Minister of Defense, Dr. Omane Boamah, clarified that the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme, will be optional and not mandatory.

“10,000 national service volunteers are expected to kick-start this initiative with plans to increase the numbers substantially next year. They’re volunteers. It is not compulsory,” the minister said.

Engaging the media today, July 21, as part of the government’s accountability series, he noted that the basic military and emergency response training is a 6-week orientation training scheduled to run in two batches from August to October this year.

The areas of training will include basic military orientation, first aid, basic life support, disaster or fire management, nationalism and patriotism, loyalty and discipline, leadership, mentorship, and physical training, among others.

President John Dramani Mahama, on Monday, April 28, launched the Adwumawura Programme at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi, unveiling a major initiative aimed at fighting youth unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship.

The Adwumawura Programme, according to its design, will "create, mentor, and support at least 10,000 businesses annually," focusing specifically on young people aged 18 to 35. Participants will benefit from skills training, mentorship, start-up capital, and equipment to help them build sustainable businesses.

During his address, President Mahama described youth unemployment as "one of Ghana’s most pressing challenges" and reiterated his administration’s commitment "to create decent and sustainable jobs for young people," aligning with the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s vision of economic growth and innovation.

Funding for the initiative has been secured through a GH₵100 million provision made in the 2025 Budget Statement, delivered by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson. To complement Adwumawura, the government also plans to implement the National Apprenticeship Programme, providing free technical and vocational training opportunities for the youth.

At the event, Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, called on young people to take charge of their future and contribute to national progress, while reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Also in July last year, President John Dramani Mahama officially launched the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) in Tamale. The nationwide initiative was designed to equip young Ghanaians with practical, employable skills to reduce youth unemployment. The inauguration ceremony, held at the University for Development Studies (UDS), marked the beginning of a skills revolution expected to train tens of thousands of individuals each year across all 261 districts.

The programme began with 10,000 apprentices and was planned to scale up to 100,000 by 2026, supported by a GH¢300 million allocation from the 2025 budget, which was set to cover both training expenses and monthly stipends for participants.

President Mahama emphasized that the National Apprenticeship Programme offered young Ghanaians—particularly those unable to pursue further education—a valuable opportunity to acquire practical skills for self-reliance. He assured that individuals with no formal education were welcome to apply and would receive training in local languages if necessary.

Training included both short courses (2–4 months) and long-term apprenticeships (12–18 months), tailored to specific trades and the prior experience of applicants.

The application process was scheduled to commence shortly after the launch and was made accessible online via the National Youth Authority (NYA) portal, as well as at all metropolitan, municipal, and district assembly offices, ensuring inclusivity for all potential applicants.

The National Apprenticeship Programme was positioned as a key part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle the country’s 12.6% youth unemployment rate and the 29% of young people not engaged in education, employment, or training. The initiative was expected to significantly improve income levels among beneficiaries, contributing meaningfully to long-term national development.