The National Youth Authority (NYA), in collaboration with the Gomoa West District Assembly, on Friday, 30th January 2026, organised a presentation of working tools to apprentices and master craftspersons under the National Apprenticeship Programme at the Gomoa West District Assembly.
The programme, held under the theme “Skills for Prosperity: Empowering Ghana’s Future,” formed part of the government’s efforts to promote skills development, youth empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative aimed to enhance productivity, promote self-reliance, and improve beneficiaries’ livelihoods by equipping them with the necessary tools. The event also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth employment and technical skills training.
Present at the programme were the Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Richard Gyan Mensah; the District Chief Executive of Gomoa West District Assembly, Hon. Alhaji Mohammed Kassim; the Central Regional Coordinator of the National Apprenticeship Programme, Mr. Ebenezer Abeiku Essien; the Coordinating Director of the Gomoa West District Assembly, Esq Marian Dankwaa Mensah; as well as other government officials, youth leaders, master craftspersons, and apprentices.
The Central Regional Coordinator of the National Apprenticeship Programme, Mr Ebenezer Abeiku Essien, in his address, outlined the items presented to beneficiaries and highlighted the additional support systems attached to the programme. Items presented to seamstresses included hand-operated sewing machines for master craftspersons, tumblers, and brown paper. Hairdressers received hair dryers, clippers, scissors, tail combs, rollers, face shields, gloves, and towels. He further disclosed that both master craftspersons and apprentices would benefit from free insurance coverage and that all apprentices would be validated to ensure eligibility for monthly stipend payments. Mr Essien emphasized that the initiative was a strategic investment in skills development and sustainable livelihoods rather than a mere donation of tools.
The District Chief Executive, Hon. Alhaji Mohammed Kassim, advised beneficiaries to use the tools productively and responsibly, stressing that the items were not for sale but strictly meant to support their trades and improve income generation. He urged master craftspersons to treat apprentices as their own children by providing proper mentorship, guidance, discipline, and a safe and supportive learning environment. According to him, the success of the programme depends largely on the quality of training and the relationship between masters and apprentices.
Addressing the gathering, the Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Richard Gyan Mensah, reminded beneficiaries that the tools provided remain government property and must be handled with care and accountability. He encouraged apprentices to take their training seriously and develop discipline, commitment, and professionalism. He also advised beneficiaries to use social media as a marketing tool to promote their services and products through advertisements rather than for unproductive activities.
The programme successfully reinforced the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, and job creation. Beneficiaries were encouraged to maximise the opportunity presented to them by using the tools responsibly and contributing meaningfully to local and national development. The initiative is expected to improve productivity among artisans in the Gomoa West District while promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic independence.