"Gov't is committed to resolving challenges faced by NAELP" – Lands Minister

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to resolving the challenges confronting the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP).

Speaking during his maiden working visit to the NAELP Secretariat on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Minister underscored the importance of the programme in the broader national agenda to tackle illegal mining and promote responsible mining practices.

“I am impressed with the vision and objectives of NAELP. However, it is crucial that we not only sustain but also expand and add more value to the programme’s alternative livelihood initiatives,” Hon. Buah stated.

He emphasized that NAELP remains a vital component of the Ministry’s strategy in addressing illegalities within the small-scale mining sector.

The Minister acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by NAELP, particularly issues of inadequate funding and logistics.

He assured the Management and Staff that government is taking proactive steps to support the programme, stating that these challenges would be prioritized and addressed to ensure its success.

Hon. Buah encouraged the NAELP team to strengthen their advocacy for responsible mining while showcasing the programme’s success stories to attract sustainable funding and partnerships.

On his part, the National Coordinator of NAELP, Mr. Frank Asare, presented an overview of the programme’s operations, highlighting the number of hectares of land reclaimed and the jobs—both direct and indirect—created under the initiative.

Mr. Asare also expressed hope that the government would swiftly respond to the programme’s pressing needs, including access to adequate logistics and financial resources, to enhance its impact.

NAELP, which was launched to combat illegal mining by providing alternative sources of income for illegal miners, continues to play a crucial role in Ghana’s efforts to ensure environmental sustainability and socio-economic development in mining communities.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith