Artisanal Skill Acquisition and Employment Creation in the Informal Sector: A Case Study of Tema, Ghana.

Abstract

This research delves into the intricate landscape of artisanal skill acquisition and employment in the informal sector of Ghana. Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study aimed to unravel the barriers hindering artisanal skill acquisition, understand the approaches to informal artisanal training, and identify limiting factors impeding employment opportunities among artisans. My inclusive approach involves interviews with current apprentices and master craftspersons. The research, conducted in the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, explores the lived experiences of 25 participants engaged in various artisanal trades, ranging from masonry to beautician services. Financial constraints, social stigma, and exploitation emerged as significant barriers to informal artisanal skill acquisition in Tema. Common training modes included apprenticeship, informal observational learning, and self-directed learning. Employment challenges encompassed financial barriers, urban planning decisions, bureaucratic hurdles, and limited access to startup capital. The findings contribute to the existing literature by offering depth and empirical analysis that delves into young people's perceptions of the apprenticeship system, offering distinctive insights. Unlike prior studies, I holistically examined various phases and characteristics of informal apprenticeships, exploring barriers to training across diverse artisanal trade categories. Overall, I explicitly outlined barriers, demonstrating the system's impact on economically disadvantaged youth in Tema.