The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called on the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) to enhance its role in transforming mining communities and promoting responsible mining practices.
Speaking during his first official visit to the NAELP Secretariat on Tuesday, April 8, the Minister urged the programme to go beyond providing alternative jobs and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
“NAELP must go beyond offering alternatives. It should help shape a new culture of responsible mining, environmental care, and community development,” he stated.
Describing NAELP as a key tool in the fight against illegal mining, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah said the programme must deliver long-term, viable opportunities for former illegal miners and communities affected by mining activities.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the logistical and financial constraints facing the programme and encouraged NAELP to showcase its successes in order to boost public confidence and attract support from development partners.
The visit also allowed the Minister to assess the programme’s progress and engage with its leadership. NAELP’s National Coordinator, Mr. Frank Asare, provided updates on job creation, land reclamation, and community development initiatives.
Mr. Asare acknowledged challenges including inadequate logistics and limited funding but expressed optimism that renewed government backing would enable the programme to scale up and deliver greater impact.
With this renewed call for action, NAELP is being positioned not only as a solution to illegal mining but as a foundation for a more sustainable and responsible future for Ghana’s mining sector.
Story by Sheila Otuo Baffour