President John Mahama has announced that the newly launched Adwumawura initiative is designed to provide employment opportunities for individuals from marginalised groups, including those who have previously engaged in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

In his address during the launch event in Kumasi on Monday, President Mahama stated that other vulnerable groups, such as people living with disabilities, those with little or no formal education, and individuals from conflict zones, would be prioritised for the initiative.

"At least 60% of the beneficiaries will be women and girls, particularly in male-dominated trades. The programme will also target people living with disabilities, the unemployed and underemployed youth, out-of-school youth, and those from rural and vulnerable populations, including youth from conflict-affected areas,

Additionally, it will focus on young people who have been involved in illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, as well as other marginalised and underserved groups," the president explained.

He added, "For youth from mining communities engaged in galamsey, we aim to shift them away from illegal mining. We will prioritise them, providing opportunities to set up their own businesses."

This initiative comes at a time when the country is intensifying efforts to combat illegal mining, seeking solutions to put an end to the environmental damage it has caused over the years.

Illegal mining has resulted in significant damage to freshwater bodies, the destruction of forest reserves, and has contributed to the nation’s vulnerability to the negative impacts of climate change.

The president believes that this initiative will discourage further participation in illegal mining and help transition individuals into more sustainable livelihoods.