The National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) is making significant strides in tackling illegal mining by providing young people with sustainable employment opportunities.
On March 27, 2025, 127 young men and women graduated from the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) programmed at the AngloGold Ashanti Enterprise and Skills Development Centre in Anyinam.
The initiative, supported by AngloGold Ashanti and Germany’s development agency GIZ, aims to provide alternative employment to those affected by the crackdown on illegal mining.
The graduates were trained in essential skills such as metal fabrication, welding, electronics, electrical work, fashion, and leatherwork—sectors with strong economic potential in Ghana’s mining regions.
A Shift from Illegal Mining
Illegal mining has devastated large parts of Ghana, polluting rivers, degrading land, and threatening communities.
However, NAELP’s approach is offering a different path. As part of the programme, three small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) received financial backing to expand and employ more young people.
A €200,000 investment from GIZ ensured that graduates were equipped with the tools needed to start their own businesses.
Speaking at the ceremony, the National Coordinator for National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP), Frank Pedro Asare, reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining while creating new economic opportunities.
“President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Kofi Buah, are determined to curb the menace of illegal mining. That is why they are fully committed to supporting NAELP in executing its mandate,” he stated.
A Sustainable Future
Frank Pedro Asare highlighted the need for continued investment in alternative employment.
“The government recognizes the urgency of creating sustainable job opportunities in mining communities. Our fight against illegal mining must go hand in hand with real solutions for employment,” he said.
He also emphasized that the programme was not just about providing skills but about transforming lives and communities.
“While the impact of illegal mining has been devastating, today we are showing that it is never too late to change the narrative. We can provide opportunities that lead to lasting economic prosperity.”
The distribution of start-up kits marked a major milestone, but Frank Pedro Asare reminded the graduates that their journey was just beginning. “The real work starts now. Success, job creation, and positive impact on our communities are in our hands,” he told them.
A Call for Collaboration
Looking ahead, Frank Pedro Asare called on large-scale mining companies and international development partners to work with NAELP to expand the initiative nationwide.
“This is a fight we cannot win alone. We urge all stakeholders to collaborate with us in replicating these community enhancement projects across the country,” he said.
With initiatives like NAELP, Ghana is taking decisive steps to break the cycle of illegal mining and create a future where economic growth and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.
