In the heart of Obuasi, where illegal mining (galamsey) has long cast a shadow over livelihoods and the environment, a new dawn is breaking. On March 27, 2025, the AngloGold Ashanti Enterprise and Skills Development Centre in Anyinam was abuzz with hope and excitement as 127 young men and women stepped into a future brimming with opportunity.
For years, illegal mining has ravaged Ghana’s lands, polluted water bodies, and left many communities struggling to find sustainable livelihoods. But on this day, a different narrative unfolded. Through the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP), these young artisans were not only trained in valuable technical skills but also equipped with the tools to forge a legitimate and prosperous path forward.
Mr. Frank Asare, the National Coordinator of NAELP, stood before the graduates with a message of transformation and resilience. Representing His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Honorable Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining by investing in sustainable employment solutions.
“This is not just about training,” he emphasized. “It is about rewriting our story. It is about proving that we can create opportunities that uplift our youth, empower communities, and preserve our environment.”
The program, in partnership with AngloGold Ashanti and supported by GIZ, trained the beneficiaries in essential skills such as metal fabrication, welding, electronics, electrical work, fashion, and leatherwork. These skills are not only in high demand but also crucial for economic growth in mining regions. But NAELP’s support didn’t stop at training. Recognizing the need for long-term sustainability, the program identified three local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that would benefit from start-up support to expand and employ more youth.
Thanks to a €200,000 investment from GIZ, the graduates received start-up equipment to launch their businesses. This initiative is not just about individual success stories—it is about creating a ripple effect, where empowered youth become job creators, helping to shift their communities from the perils of galamsey to thriving, legal enterprises.
As the trainees received their start-up kits, emotions ran high. For many, this was a second chance—an escape from the lure of illegal mining, a new beginning for their families, and a step toward a more sustainable Ghana.
“This is your moment,” Mr. Asare told the graduates. “These tools are symbols of hope and empowerment. With them, you will not only build your future but also help transform Obuasi into a hub of legitimate employment, innovation, and self-sufficiency.”
The call for collective effort was clear. Mr. Asare urged large-scale mining companies, development partners, and community leaders to replicate such initiatives across all mining areas, ensuring that alternative employment becomes a viable and attractive choice for the youth.
