President John Dramani Mahama will on Wednesday, April 29, officially launch the initiative, National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) aimed at addressing youth unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship in Ghana.

The launch event will take place at the UDS Auditorium in Tamale, Northern Region.

The NAP is designed to foster self-employment by offering young Ghanaians access to free technical and vocational training.

The initiative is a component of the flagship Adwumawura Programme, which was officially launched on Monday, April 28.

The Adwumawura Programme is dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs by offering business training, mentorship, funding, and technological resources.

With a goal of incubating and accelerating 10,000 businesses each year, the initiative targets Ghanaian youth aged 18 to 35.

Participants will gain a wide range of support, such as skills training, mentorship, start-up capital, and essential machinery and equipment to help them launch and grow their businesses.

President Mahama, speaking at the event, highlighted youth unemployment as a major challenge for Ghana and emphasized the programme’s importance in addressing this issue.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to generating sustainable, quality job opportunities for young people, aligning with the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s broader focus on economic growth and innovation.

“This programme is unlike those launched in the past with much fanfare but ultimately faltered due to inadequate funding,” he pointed out.

“This programme is not like others that were announced in the recent past with a lot of fun fair but proved to be mirages without adequate funding to sustain them.

“Adwumawura is fully funded with adequate allocation proved by the Finance Ministry in the 2025 budget. It is designed to be inclusive, youth led and Ghanaian owned,” the president said.

Funded through a GH₵100 million provision in the 2025 Budget Statement, the initiative received its financial backing from Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson.

Also speaking at the event, Youth Development and Empowerment Minister George Opare Addo urged the country’s young people to take full advantage of the programme, noting its potential to transform their lives and contribute to Ghana’s progress.