Story by, Nsor Paul Mensah
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has urged the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) to expand its alternative livelihood initiatives and advocate for responsible mining practices. The minister made this call during a maiden working visit to NAELP on April 8, 2025, to familiarize himself with the project unit's activities.
The minister encouraged NAELP to go beyond providing alternative livelihood solutions and advocate for responsible mining practices.
Hon. Buah assured the project unit of the government's commitment to resolving challenges, including inadequate funding and logistics.
The minister urged NAELP to share its achievements with funding partners to attract sustained support and boost confidence.
NAELP's National Coordinator, Mr. Frank Asare, provided an overview of the program's operations, including:
The number of hectares of land reclaimed under the project.
The direct and indirect jobs created under the project.
Lack of logistics and insufficient funding were highlighted as key challenges.
The minister stressed the importance of transitioning illegal miners to responsible mining practices, aligning with NAELP's mandate to combat illegalities in the mining sector. By sharing achievements with partners, NAELP can secure sponsorship and further its mission.