The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie South, Hon. Benjamin Marfo, has officially distributed tools and equipment to the first batch of beneficiaries under the National Apprenticeship Program (NAP) at a ceremony held at the Amansie South District Assembly Hall.
The event brought together Regional Apprenticeship Executives, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Constituency Chairman, Mr. Frank Antwi Adjei, traditional leaders, party officials, and members of the community, all gathered to witness what has been described as a significant step toward youth empowerment and skills development in the district.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle youth unemployment by equipping young people with practical vocational skills and the necessary tools to establish sustainable livelihoods. The selected beneficiaries, who constitute the first batch under the program in the district, received trade-specific equipment to enable them to begin or enhance their apprenticeship training. In addition to the tools, each beneficiary will receive a monthly allowance to support their training period.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Hon. Benjamin Marfo urged them to take full advantage of the opportunity provided through the National Apprenticeship Program. He cautioned the youth against abandoning their training to engage in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, stressing that the skills they acquire through the program would offer them more sustainable and dignified sources of income.
He emphasized that the success of the initiative depends largely on the commitment and discipline of the apprentices. According to him, the tools distributed represent an investment in their future, and beneficiaries must demonstrate seriousness, dedication, and hard work in order to justify the confidence reposed in them.
Hon. Marfo also called on the master craftsmen and trainers who will be supervising the apprentices to discharge their responsibilities diligently. He encouraged them to provide quality training, mentorship, and guidance to ensure that the young people emerge from the program well-equipped and competent in their chosen trades.
The NDC Constituency Chairman, Mr. Frank Antwi Adjei, commended the government and district leadership for prioritizing youth development, noting that the program would contribute significantly to reducing unemployment and promoting economic growth in Amansie South.
The beneficiaries, in separate remarks, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, and the District Chief Executive, Hon. Benjamin Marfo, for the support and opportunity granted to them. They pledged to make good use of the tools provided and to remain committed to their training in order to secure a better future for themselves and their families.
The National Apprenticeship Program is expected to transform the lives of many young people across the district by providing them with practical skills, startup tools, and financial support. The successful rollout of the first batch signals a renewed commitment by the Amansie South District Assembly to empower the youth and create sustainable opportunities for development.
The ceremony ended with words of encouragement to the beneficiaries, with district authorities expressing optimism that the program would yield positive outcomes for the individuals involved and the district as a whole.
