38 Female Apprentices Drop Out of National Apprenticeship Programme in Central Region Due to Pregnancy
Thirty-eight female beneficiaries of the government’s National Apprenticeship Programme in the Central Region have dropped out after becoming pregnant, forfeiting the training and financial support provided under the scheme.
The disclosure was made by the Central Regional Coordinator of the programme, Emmanuel Abeiku Essien, during a donation of training materials to beneficiaries in the Mfantseman Municipality.
Mr. Essien described the dropouts as deeply concerning and urged all trainees to treat the opportunity with seriousness, warning that abandoning training undermines the government’s investment in youth development.
“This programme is a major investment by the government in the future of our young people,” he said. “We remain committed to providing free enrolment and support, but we need greater discipline and commitment from participants.”
The National Apprenticeship Programme is expected to benefit more than 52,000 young people in the Central Region by August 2025. Beneficiaries receive free skills training in various trades, along with a monthly stipend of GH¢300 to support them during the apprenticeship period.
However, Mr. Essien expressed worry over low interest in sectors critical to national development. He noted that approximately 90% of beneficiaries are opting for trades such as hairdressing and dressmaking, while largely ignoring priority areas including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and information and communication technology (ICT).
“The programme is designed to equip young people with industry-relevant technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills that align with the country’s development needs,” he explained. “We need more young people to embrace these key sectors.”
The donation event at Ansa Lorry Park in Mankessim was attended by the Member of Parliament for Mfantseman, Prince Ebenezer Kojo Ahine, and the Mfantseman Municipal Chief Executive, Eric Stanley Acquah.
Mr. Ahine revealed that about 5,000 young people in Mfantseman alone have registered under the programme, fulfilling part of his campaign promise to create opportunities for the youth. He encouraged beneficiaries to remain focused and make the most of the training.
Mr. Acquah echoed the call, urging young people across the municipality to embrace the initiative as a pathway to self-reliance and economic security.
The National Apprenticeship Programme is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to reduce youth unemployment by offering free skills training, stipends, and pathways into sustainable employment. Officials say the scheme will continue to expand, with renewed emphasis on attracting participants to high-demand sectors vital to Ghana’s industrial and agricultural transformation.
