President Nana Akufo-Addo is expected to launch the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) today in the Western region.
The programme forms part of measures being put in place to support small-scale miners and persons who have been affected by the ban on illegal mining in about five regions across the country.
President Akufo-Addo put his presidency on the line with a commitment to bring an end to the proliferation and scourge of illegal small-scale mining before his term in office expires.
He hinted at adopting a heavy-handed approach towards illegal mining to stem the environmental problems and challenges associated with the practice.
An Inter-ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) was established by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to clamp down on ‘galamsey’, causing havoc to the country’s water resources and lands.
Government this year deployed 400 military officers to rid river banks and forest reserves of illegal miners.
“However, the operation has affected the livelihood of over one million people in mining communities across five regions of Ghana, namely Ashanti, Eastern, Central, Western North and Western regions.”
“The affected people include small scale miners, sponsors, fuel suppliers, hoteliers, metal fabricators, transport operators, food caterers, traders and farmers,” a statement from the Information Ministry said.
President Akufo-Addo will be launching the Programme to find alternative jobs for persons engaged in illegal mining, popularly called galamsey.
Illegal mining, for years, has received widespread public concern in Ghana, with the country fighting an ongoing battle with illegal miners operating in major forest reserves and rivers.
Although Ghana has had a formalised process for engaging in artisanal small-scale mining, more than 85 per cent of small scale miners operate on illegal basis in the country.
Efforts by successive governments to stop the ‘galamsey’ practice have been short-lived.
Latest Stories
- Education Ministry cautions against payment of money for school placement
50 mins - Full list of winners at 47th SWAG Awards gala
2 hours - Livestream: The Probe discusses Domestic Debt Exchange Programme
2 hours - Dr Ibn Kailan Abdul-Hamid appointed Head of UPSA’s Department of Marketing
2 hours - Debt Exchange Programme: Article 71 Office Holders must take a 50% haircut – Labour Federation
3 hours - CHAN 2022: CAF confirms change in kickoff time for final
3 hours - Newcastle sign Everton forward Anthony Gordon in £45m deal
4 hours - ‘We wanted a fresh start in 2023, but we have been worse’ – Klopp
4 hours - Brighton knock holders Liverpool out of FA Cup
4 hours - Moises Caicedo made ‘mistake’ asking to leave Brighton, says Roberto de Zerbi
5 hours - Pedri winner extends Barca’s La Liga advantage
5 hours - Chelsea sign teenage right-back Malo Gusto from Lyon in £31m deal
5 hours - Ghana signs agreements with Saudi Arabia on Hajj 2023
5 hours - Iraq reiterates support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara
6 hours - Akufo-Addo’s loud silence on Auditor-General’s report shocking – Dr Apaak
6 hours