NAELP Has Created 80,000 Jobs, Says Lands Ministry
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources says the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) has created employment for 80,000 people since its establishment in 2021 by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
In a statement debunking allegations that the initiative is a “pseudo-political patrol” that has employed New Patriotic Party members and pays them for no work done, it stated the contrary.
It noted that its establishment was aimed at restoring lands adversely affected by illegal mining activities, creating pathways and inspiring entrepreneurship for sustainable employment and alternative livelihoods and promoting responsible, viable, and sustainable small-scale mining.
In this spirit, it said 80,000 direct and indirect jobs had been created by the outfit.
“NAELP has successfully created over 80,000 direct and indirect jobs for youth engaged in seedlings production and environmental development projects.”
Additionally, it said it had offered entrepreneurship programmes to 2,000 youth in collaboration with Queens University and 125 youth in Obuasi in partnership with AngloGold Ashanti.
Also, it said some SMEs are being supported with machinery worth 60,000 Euros while 125 trained artisans are being supported with startup kits worth 90,000 Euros through a GIZ partnership.
It further indicated that NAELP has nursed over 20 million tree seedlings, which are projected to offset more than 20,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases over the next two decades.
Meanwhile, it debunked allegations that NAELP had received millions of dollars in climate funds.
“These allegations are entirely false, devoid of any factual basis, and appear to be part of a deliberate campaign to misinform the public and undermine NAELP’s integrity.”
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
