The National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP), in collaboration with AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), is spearheading a transformative initiative to provide sustainable employment opportunities for displaced illegal miners in the Obuasi region.
Through a comprehensive skills development programme, participants—formerly engaged in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey—are receiving expert training in six high-demand vocational fields: welding and fabrication, metalwork, electronics, electricals, fashion design, and leatherwork. This initiative is designed to equip them with practical skills that align with the local job market, enabling them to transition into formal employment or entrepreneurship.
Beyond individual training, the programme also seeks to foster local entrepreneurship by supporting three carefully selected small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This component aims to strengthen the local economy by creating business opportunities and encouraging self-reliance among beneficiaries.
A significant milestone in this effort will take place on Thursday, 27th March 2025, when NAELP and AGA will officially hand over start-up kits, funded by GIZ, to the trained participants. The ceremony, scheduled for 10 AM at the Enterprise and Skills Development Centre in Anyinam, marks the beginning of a new chapter for these individuals, empowering them to build dignified and sustainable livelihoods.
By providing viable alternatives to illegal mining, this partnership is not only transforming lives but also contributing to the broader goal of responsible and sustainable economic development in Ghana’s mining communities.
