The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has launched a new flagship programme, Entrepreneurship Jobs for All (E-Jobs4All) for the youth in the mining regions.
This initiative is under the second module of the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP), and involves Apprenticeship, Skills Training and Entrepreneurship.
Launching the programme yesterday in Accra, the sector Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, described it as a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change, and a commendable approach to addressing one of our nation’s most pressing challenges – unemployment.
He disclosed that the initiative had been designed to equip 10,000 beneficiaries with tools, skills, and insights necessary to carve, shape, and transform ideas into profitable ventures.
“It is an initiative to empower our youth, foster innovation, and unleash the potential that lies within our mining communities. This partnership is a further testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to providing alternative employment opportunities, particularly, for our youth in mining regions,” he said.
“Through this programme, we do not only seek to impart knowledge but cultivate a mindset of innovation and entrepreneurship in our people. We recognise that true empowerment rests, not only in creating employment but instilling the ethos of self-reliance and enterprise. That is why the programme has been designed to build entrepreneurs who can navigate the complexities of business, and become job creators,” he added.
Contribution
Mr Abu Jinapor noted that despite the contribution of mining to the national economy, the historical underdevelopment of mining communities remains a challenge.
Through the Minerals Development Fund and the other alternative livelihood programmes being implemented by the Minerals Commission, government continues to support the development of these communities with revenue accruing from mining.
The Minister said his outfit was engaging with mining companies to ensure they contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities. He added that under the mining lease granted for the exploitation of some lithium resources, one percent of the company’s revenue will go into a Community Development Fund. That, he said, had been negotiated to be used for the development of communities to be affected by the mining operations.
“We do all these, recognising that the mineral resources of our country are the property of the people of Ghana, for whose benefit they must be utilised. Initiatives such as the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme, and the ‘E-Jobs4All’ are of utmost importance, to ensure that mining communities benefit directly from mining activities,” he said.
Intersection of innovation
Taking her turn, the Coordinator of NAELP, Dr. Louise Carol Serwaa Donkor, described the module as an intersection of innovation, empowerment and sustainable development.
She further stated that E-Jobs4All stands as a testament to have adaptability and commitment to addressing contemporary challenges particularly the pressing issues of illegal mining and unemployment in an era where the global landscape is shaped by dynamic changes.
Dr. Louise Donkor described the project as a leverage not only on the traditional strength of the mining sector but also integrating cutting-edge practices that align with global trends, while ensuring that the youth are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Mr. Kingsley Kwaku Pinkrah, the Founder and CEO of Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Initiative (CEDI) Ghana, emphasized that the initiative does not solely address the adverse effects of illegal mining. Instead, he added, its primary focus is to establish avenues for sustainable livelihoods, fostering innovation, and empowering individuals to build businesses that positively contribute to their communities and the country’s economy.
He indicated that the expected outcomes of the project are nothing short of transformational, stressing that the vision includes the growth of businesses in mining regions, leading to job creation for those involved in illegal mining.
