Building Contractors rally behind National Apprenticeship Programme, call for stronger collaboration

The Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG) supports the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP). They see it as crucial for skills development, job creation, and growth in construction.

Mr. Anthony Klutse, ABCECG President, spoke before their Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Accra. He believes the initiative can transform the construction sector. It will create well-trained Ghanaian artisans and reduce reliance on foreign labor from Togo.

“If implemented effectively, this program can change trends,” Mr. Klutse said. He noted that many local contractors hire Togolese artisans instead of unemployed Ghanaians.

The NAP was launched by H.E. John Dramani Mahama to equip young Ghanaians with practical skills. The launch event took place at the University for Development Studies in Tamale. Many view this as a start to a national skills revolution.

The 2025 national budget allocates GH¢300 million for the program. This funding will cover training costs and provide monthly stipends for participants across all 261 districts.

Training modules will vary in length from short courses of 2 to 4 months to long-term apprenticeships lasting 12 to 18 months. The duration depends on the trade and trainee experience.

Mr. Klutse emphasized collaboration is essential for aligning training with industry needs. The ABCECG is ready to work with the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service (GTVET). They want trainees to gain relevant hands-on experience.

“We don’t want trained youth to remain unemployed due to skill mismatches,” he stated. He urged the government to collaborate with contractors on curriculum development.

He praised government efforts to revitalize Ghana’s economy, supporting a proposed 24-hour economy policy. The construction sector could benefit greatly from this shift if infrastructure like lighting and security improves.

“Some construction tasks are more efficient at night when it's cooler,” he explained. With proper support, many contractors may adopt night shifts, making it urgent to pursue a 24-hour economy policy.

The upcoming AGM will allow members to review progress over the past year and set new strategic directions. This annual meeting is vital for shaping the Association's priorities in national development.

Mr. Klutse also called on the government to revive low-cost housing initiatives. He believes the apprenticeship program can provide skilled labor for these projects.

“Low-cost housing should be available in every municipality,” he suggested. In time, he hopes every district can have low-cost housing built by qualified workers from the apprenticeship program.

He welcomed the government's decision to uncap the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund). This move could unlock resources needed for stalled infrastructure projects nationwide.

Mr. Klutse expressed confidence in President John Dramani Mahama's leadership vision for Ghana's development. “We fully support him,” he concluded, emphasizing their commitment to delivering results urgently needed by the nation.