Government has launched a new initiative, Entrepreneurship Jobs for All Programme (E-Jobs4All) to tackle unemployment in mining regions across the country.
The programme is part of the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP), which is aimed at combating illegal mining and provide alternative sources of livelihood for affected mining communities.
E-Jobs4All is a collaborative effort involving NAELP, Queens University, Leadogo Incorporated Canada, and the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Initiative (CEDI Ghana).
It is to equip 10,000 beneficiaries with the tools, skills, and insights needed to become entrepreneurs and job creators.
Launching the programme at the Accra International Conference Centre in Accra yesterday, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Mr. Samuel A. Jinapor expressed the government’s commitment to fighting illegal mining and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s dedication to providing decent jobs for the country’s youth.
According to him, since 2017, the government has implemented various measures to address illegal mining, including banning activities in Forest Reserves and declaring water bodies as Red Zones.
He said to provide alternative sources of livelihood for individuals who depend on illegal mining, the government is promoting responsible small-scale mining, revamping the Community Mining Scheme, and developing an Operational Manual that sets the minimum standards that each small-scale and community mining scheme should meet.
Additionally, the government has introduced a mercury-free gold processing equipment, known as the Gold Katcha, to help small-scale miners efficiently extract gold without using mercury, in accordance with their obligation under the Minamata Convention.
The NAELP, launched in October 2021, focuses on reclamation, entrepreneurship, community mining, and mine support services.
The second module of NAELP, the “Entrepreneurship Jobs for All Programme,” as indicated focuses on Apprenticeship, Skills Training, and Entrepreneurship.
The initiative is to empower youth in mining communities, foster innovation, and provide the tools and skills necessary to transform ideas into profitable ventures.
Mr. Jinapor who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Damongo noted that mining contributes significantly to Ghana’s national economy, constituting about nine percent of the GDP.
Gold alone contributed some US$4.67 billion in exports, representing 43.4% of the total exports as of August this year, according to data from the Central Bank, the Bank of Ghana.
However, Mr. Jinapor said the historical underdevelopment of mining communities remains a challenge despite the contribution of gold to the national economy.
He gave assurance that initiatives like NAELP and E-Jobs4All will ensure that these communities directly benefit from mining activities.
“We do not only seek to impart knowledge but cultivate a mindset of innovation and entrepreneurship in our people,” he added.
Beacon of hope
Ejobs4All, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister indicated, is not just a slogan but a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change.
He maintained that the second module is an initiative to empower the Ghanaian youth, foster innovation, and unleash the potential that lies within mining communities.
The Coordinator, National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme for illegal Miners (AELP), Dr Louise Carol Serwaa Donkor explained the module as an intersection of innovation, empowerment and sustainable development.
She also stated that Ejobs4all stands as a testament to have adaptability and commitment to addressing contemporary challenges particularly the pressing issues of illegal mining and unemployment in an era where the global landscape is shaped by dynamic changes.
Dr. Serwaa Donkor described the project as a leverage as not only the traditional strength of the mining sector but also integrating as cutting-edge practices that align with global trends, whiles ensuring that the youth are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The NAELP Coordinator used the platform to commended highly the various agencies, partners and visionaries who made the initiative possible. She said their efforts amplifies the resonance of their shared commitment.
Mr. Kingsley Kwaku Pinkrah, the Founder and CEO for Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Initiative (CEDI) Ghana, emphasized that the initiative does not solely address the adverse effects of illegal mining, instead, its primary focus is to establish avenues for sustainable livelihoods, fostering innovation, and empowering individuals to build businesses that positively contribute to their communities and the country’s economy.
He indicated that, the expected outcomes of the project are nothing short of transformational, stressing that the vision includes the growth of businesses in mining regions, leading to job creation for those involved in illegal mining.
