In a significant move to combat youth unemployment and promote hands-on skills development, the Techiman North District has taken delivery of modern vocational equipment under the government’s flagship National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP).
The official handing-over ceremony took place at the Regional Coordinating Council Grounds in the Bono East Region, bringing together top government officials, traditional leaders, and key stakeholders to commission the distribution of tools that will drive practical training in tailoring and hairdressing across the district.
The event was graced by the Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, who led the presentation alongside the Dean of MMDCEs, Hon. Isaac Donkor, and the Regional Coordinator of NAP, Mr Kofi Baba.
In his keynote address, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi highlighted the government’s broader socio-economic transformation agenda, citing the introduction of the 24-Hour Economy policy, the Women Development Bank, and the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) as key pillars of this vision.
He explained that the 24-Hour Economy policy is designed to maximise industrial productivity by enabling shift operations, while the Women Development Bank will provide targeted financial support to female entrepreneurs.
“We are not just distributing equipment; we are distributing hope and opportunity. The National Apprenticeship Programme is structured to ensure that our youth are not just educated, but skilled and ready to contribute meaningfully to the economy,” Hon. Owusu Antwi stated.
The Minister also revealed plans to develop eleven (11) modern market centres in the region to further enhance trading infrastructure and commercial activity.
Hon. Isaac Donkor, the Dean of MMDCEs and MCE for Kintampo North, assured the gathering that the Assemblies would oversee a transparent and equitable distribution of the items. He pledged to institute strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure the tools are used for their intended purpose and maintained as national assets.
“We will not leave the fate of these resources to chance. The MMDAs will ensure that these tools get to the master trainers and beneficiaries and that they translate into real skills and job creation,” Hon. Donkor emphasised.
The Regional NAP Coordinator, Mr Kofi Baba, outlined the specific items allocated to the Techiman North District, urging beneficiaries to treat the equipment with the utmost care.
Techiman North District received:
- Tailoring: 3 Industrial Sewing Machines & 15 Butterfly Sewing Machines (18 items total)
- Hairdressing: 3 Hair Dryers (for master trainers) & 15 Accessories (18 items total)
- Grand Total: 36 Pieces of Equipment
In addition to the tools, the district has engaged six (6) master trainers (three in tailoring and three in hairdressing) who will oversee the training of 36 apprentices, comprising 18 in each trade.
Mr Kofi Baba emphasised that the provision of modern tools is expected to significantly enhance the quality of practical training delivery. “This initiative bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and industry demands. With these tools, our apprentices will gain the competence needed to either secure employment or become entrepreneurs themselves,” he noted.
The symbolic handing-over ceremony concluded with the presentation of the items to Hon. DCE for Techiman North, marking the official transfer of responsibility and the commencement of the training phase.
The National Apprenticeship Programme is part of a broader national strategy to equip the youth with employable skills, reduce dependency on white-collar jobs, and foster inclusive economic growth at the district level.
With the arrival of this equipment, the Techiman North District is now poised to become a hub for vocational excellence, driving down unemployment and building a future of skilled artisans ready to contribute to the local and national economy.
