By Felix Cofie
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping young Ghanaians with practical skills through the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) as part of efforts to curb illegal mining activities.
Speaking during a working visit to the NAELP Head Office in Accra on Tuesday, Mr. Buah emphasized that the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, cannot be won unless sustainable job alternatives are provided for the youth.
“If you tell young people to stop illegal mining, then there must be alternative jobs for them to do. That’s why NAELP’s work is critical to government’s broader vision of job creation,” the Minister stated.
Mr. Buah pledged the Ministry’s support for NAELP’s training programs in agribusiness, poultry farming, vegetable cultivation, welding, and fabrication. He further assured that despite current budgetary constraints, the Ministry will explore public-private partnerships to secure funding for the programme’s continued implementation.
He also promised to collaborate with the Ministry of Finance to clear outstanding salary arrears for NAELP employees and settle GHS105 million owed to contractors.
On his part, Mr. Frank Asare, National Coordinator of NAELP, revealed that the programme had already distributed start-up equipment to 127 trainees in Obuasi this year. He added that over 500 youth will benefit from additional training in welding, electronics, electricals, and hairdressing in the coming months.
The Minister’s visit forms part of a renewed push to make alternative livelihoods a viable option for young people in mining communities and a key strategy in the national effort to eliminate illegal mining.
