NAELP and AfDB collaborate to support youth, women in mining areas

The National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) has engaged a high-level delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and the Social Investment Fund on pragmatic measures the two organisations can adopt to support the youth, especially women in mining areas.

The meeting which took place at the head office office NAELP in Accra also focused on office strategic discussions on deepening collaboration between AfDB and the government.

According to the National Coordinator of NAELP, Mr Frank Asare, the dialogue centered on “aligning efforts under the AfDB’s Ghana Women and Youth Employment and Social Cohesion Project (GWYESCO) — a transformative initiative aimed at empowering women and youth.”

Mr Asare noted that, through a collaboration with NAELP, “one of the programs will be dedicated to provide alternative livelihoods and social interventions across all mining regions in Ghana.”

During the meeting, NAELP had the opportunity to present its upcoming initiatives for 2025.

The programmes, according to Asare include Skills & Entrepreneurship Training
Cooperative Mining Scheme, National Reclamation and re-afforestation and
Agriculture & Agro-Processing Support.

“These initiatives align closely with AfDB’s objectives of reducing poverty and promoting inclusive socio-economic development,” Mr Asare stated while he expressed optimism about the success of the poverty-alleviating programmes that will soon kick off.

The AfDB delegation was led by Mr. Doghle Philip, Regional Financial Management Coordinator (RFMC).

This engagement forms part of the government’s broader strategy to curb illegal mining and create decent, sustainable jobs for youth and women in mining-affected communities, said Mr Frank Asare.

He went on to mention some land reclamation programmes NAELP has spearheaded in the past, adding that hundreds of the youth in mining areas have been enrolled on skills-training programmes in various mining communities to prevent them from engaging in illegal mining activit