Master craftsmen in the Eastern Region embrace NDC's National Apprenticeship Program

Master craftsmen, artisans, and apprentices in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region have expressed strong support for the National Apprenticeship Training Program proposed by former President John Mahama while raising concerns about the challenges they face in their businesses.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s proposed National Apprenticeship Training Program aims to provide free skills development for youth interested in learning trades.

Under the initiative, the government would pay master craftsmen through the District Assembly for the duration of the apprenticeship. Additionally, business start-up kits would be provided to help apprentices launch their ventures and achieve financial independence.

During a town hall engagement organized by the Eastern Regional NDC’s Interparty and Civil Society Relations in Somanya, craftsmen and artisans from various fields, including hairdressing, tailoring, carpentry, and welding, shared their struggles.

“The cost of materials and equipment are very expensive, so we are suffering. The children who come to learn don’t have money, so we, the masters, mostly take care of them,” said a master craftsman. “Some end up begging for alms, which leads to teenage pregnancy, and eventually, they drop out.”

A 32-year-old beautician, Asabea, welcomed the NDC’s policy but added a caveat: “The NDC policy is good, and I am really happy with it if only they will follow through when they come to power. But they should do away with politics in selecting beneficiaries.”

A major concern raised by the artisans was the high cost of electricity, which they said was hampering the growth of their businesses.

“The high cost of electricity is affecting us seriously. With the new prepaid meters, you can buy GHC 20 worth of power, and it doesn’t even last for two dresses,” complained Evelyn, a master artisan.

Thomas Narteh, a carpenter with 36 years of experience, echoed the same concern, saying, “Now when you buy the prepaid, it finishes faster. I don’t know if they are deducting old debts from it. It runs faster, and it’s a big worry.”

Despite these challenges, the craftsmen remain optimistic about the proposed apprenticeship program. “I am a master who has worked for 36 years, and I like the NDC’s apprenticeship policy. If the government brings me apprentices to train, I will do so. Even if I get 10 people, I will train them to become professionals,” Narteh added.

Apprentices also shared their frustrations, with many citing financial difficulties that often lead to dropping out or risky relationships. Patricia Annor, a fashion apprentice, explained: “When we come to learn skills, we suffer a lot. Our parents don’t give us money for transportation or food. The materials are also very costly. When you don’t have support, some of us rely on boyfriends, which leads to pregnancy.”

Kwaku Boateng, Eastern Regional Director of the NDC’s Interparty and Civil Society Relations, assured attendees that the party’s entrepreneurship manifesto policy would be implemented within the first 100 days if the NDC wins the 2024 elections.

“When you listen to their problems, it ranges from finance to equipment and expertise. We are going to tackle all of that,” Boateng said. “In our manifesto, we have planned to create a 750 million cedis fund to support artisans through the National Women’s Bank.”

Kwame Zu, a member of the national leadership of the NDC’s Interparty and Civil Society Relations, further emphasized that under the apprenticeship program, artisans would be certified, and special arrangements would be made to export their skills to Europe.

The Member of Parliament for Yilo Krobo, Hon. Albert Tetteh Nyakotey, also expressed his support for the policy, pledging to allocate part of his MP’s Common Fund to create an automobile park for mechanics and a fashion center for those in the industry.

The craftsmen and apprentices expressed hope that the NDC’s National Apprenticeship Program would provide much-needed relief and support, which they say is crucial for the survival of their businesses and the future of their apprentices.