The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, has reiterated the government’s commitment to equipping young Ghanaians with relevant, future-ready skills through the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP).
Speaking during the 2025 World Youth Skills Day Dialogue in Accra, Mr. Ayariga emphasised that the programme is not only focused on imparting practical skills but also on nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit among Ghana’s youth.
“The National Apprenticeship Programme is designed not just to provide skills, but also to ignite a spirit of entrepreneurship among our young people,” Mr. Ayariga stated.
The event, held under the theme “Youth Empowerment through AI & Digitalization: The Role of Technology in Hands-On Skills for the Future Workforce”, brought together key stakeholders including development partners, youth advocates, and policymakers to discuss the transformative power of skills development in the digital era.
Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, Mr. Ayariga stressed that the NYA’s approach to youth empowerment goes beyond traditional training.
“Our commitment to implementing the National Apprenticeship Programme reflects our belief that skills development is not merely about training; it’s about transformation,” he declared.
He further explained that the Fourth Industrial Revolution—driven by artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and emerging technologies—demands a new generation of workers equipped with technical expertise, digital fluency, creative thinking, and adaptability.
“The future of work will not wait,” he cautioned. “Our youth must not just be consumers of technology—but creators, innovators, and problem-solvers.”
Through partnerships with institutions such as GTVET, CTVET, and international agencies, the NYA is spearheading initiatives to democratize access to digital knowledge, promote innovation, and ensure that every young Ghanaian has the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.
Mr. Ayariga also called for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, development partners, academia, and the youth themselves to accelerate national progress.
“To every young person listening—you are not the future, you are the present,” he said. “Your hands, your ideas, your resilience, and your curiosity are what will shape Ghana’s transformation.”
The World Youth Skills Day event ended on a high note with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to invest in youth development through inclusive, technology-driven and entrepreneurship-centered programs.
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