Ing. Frank Pedro Asare, the National Coordinator for the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP), has expressed deep concern over the increasing risks young men are taking in the search for gold in Ghana’s mining communities.
In a Facebook post cited by Sefwinews, Ing. Asare said, “It is worrying to see young men throw their health and safety into the air in search of ‘bloody’ gold. We will do our best to provide alternatives as we keep engaging the people in the mining communities.”
He emphasized that the government of Ghana, together with its development partners, is fully committed to providing the needed resources and support to create sustainable alternative employment and livelihood opportunities for people affected by the dangers of illegal and unsafe mining practices.
Ing. Frank Pedro Asare highlighted that the NAELP initiative continues to roll out programs aimed at equipping individuals, especially the youth, with skills in agriculture, apprenticeship, and other sectors that can provide a stable and healthier future.
“We believe that with the right engagement, training, and support systems, we can steer our young people away from hazardous mining activities and help them build meaningful lives for themselves and their families,” he added.
The National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme remains a key pillar in the government’s efforts to address the challenges facing mining communities, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the cost of human lives and environmental destruction.
