The Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi Constituency and Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Yussif Sulemana, has announced that the Bole District is benefiting from the pilot phase of the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), aimed at equipping young people with employable skills.
According to the MP, the district currently has 60 apprentices and 12 master craft persons participating in the initial phase of the programme. As part of the initiative, equipment was presented to some beneficiaries to support their training activities.The items distributed included 14 sewing machines, three hair dryers and other accessories. Two tailors, three hairdressers and a fabricator were among the first beneficiaries to receive the equipment to aid their work and training of apprentices.
Dr. Sulemana explained that the intervention forms part of efforts by the government to empower young people through skills development and reduce unemployment.He noted that an additional 50 apprentices and 10 master trainers are expected to join the programme through a special initiative from his office to expand opportunities for young people in the constituency.
Speaking at the brief presentation ceremony at the Bole District Assembly on February 23, 2026, the MP expressed appreciation to the government and agencies involved in implementing the programme. He specifically thanked the leadership of the National Youth Authority and the Ministry responsible for youth development for supporting the district to benefit from the initiative.
Dr. Sulemana urged beneficiaries to take good care of the equipment and remain disciplined throughout their training.“It is not everyone who gets the opportunity to benefit from this programme. Those who have received the support should make good use of it, remain patient and respect the master craft persons who are training them,” he advised.
Regional Director of the National Apprenticeship Programme, Bawa Mubarik explained that the initiative was introduced to train unskilled youth and reduce unemployment in the country.He said the programme was launched in Tamale and is being implemented carefully in selected areas to ensure its long-term success.According to him, six master craft persons were initially selected to train apprentices under the pilot phase, with each master responsible for about five trainees.
Mr. Mubarik indicated that the government has invested in modern machines and equipment to enhance the training process and ensure participants gain practical skills.He stressed that the equipment provided remains the property of the programme and must not be sold or misused.“These machines are not personal property.
They are for training purposes and must remain in the shops for future beneficiaries,” he cautioned.He further disclosed that apprentices under the programme will receive a monthly stipend of GH₵300 to support them during the training period.
In addition, both apprentices and their trainers are covered by an insurance package to protect them in case of workplace accidents.Mr. Mubarik added that the programme is designed as a full package that includes training fees, monitoring and evaluation to ensure that apprentices are properly trained within the stipulated one-year period.
The National Apprenticeship Programme forms part of government efforts to equip young people with practical skills, promote self-employment and contribute to national development.
Source: nkilgifm.com
