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George Opare Addo, the Minister-Designate for Youth Development and Empowerment, has underscored the urgent need to provide alternative livelihoods to residents in mining areas as a key strategy to combat illegal mining, also known as “galamsey.”
Speaking before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Opare Addo emphasised that poverty in mining communities is a primary driver of illegal mining activities.
He stressed that addressing this issue is vital for solving the galamsey problem and ensuring a sustainable future for affected communities.
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“There is a Ghana we all want. I want a Ghana where illegal mining is not a part of, but we do mining in a manner that is sustainable and won’t degrade the environment in any way. I believe that is also the vision of John Dramani Mahama,” Opare Addo stated.
He acknowledged that many young people in mining areas engage in illegal mining due to the lack of viable economic alternatives. To address this, Opare Addo advocates for the implementation of alternative livelihood programs aimed at reducing poverty and offering residents in these areas sustainable employment opportunities.
The youth minister-designate expressed his belief that through collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, it is possible to promote sustainable mining practices while ensuring environmental protection.
He highlighted the importance of shifting the mindset of young people involved in illegal mining, urging them to embrace more responsible and sustainable mining practices.
He further explained that by eradicating poverty in these regions and providing viable alternatives, illegal mining could be significantly reduced, contributing to both environmental conservation and long-term development in mining communities.
“Wherever there is gold and there is poverty, people will find a way of getting underground to find the gold. We must eradicate poverty from the areas we find ourselves in,” Opare Addo concluded, reiterating his commitment to working with stakeholders to tackle illegal mining and promote sustainable economic development.
