This year, more than 2,500 youth in mining towns will receive training and equipment from Ghana’s Minerals Development Fund (MDF), according to Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw, the fund’s administrator.
According to her, the program’s objectives were to increase community involvement in mining areas, empower young people, and advance sustainable development.
Dr. Bissiw said during a stakeholder event that the program would concentrate on developing capabilities in fields including aquaculture, poultry farming, and drone manufacture for agricultural use.
“These efforts are part of MDF’s broader strategy to provide alternative livelihoods and steer youth away from illegal mining activities,” she said.
In order to improve contemporary farming methods, Dr. Bissiw also mentioned that individuals with disabilities would receive training in the production and operation of drones for agricultural spraying.
According to her, the young people will receive aquaculture training and starting kits to help them run their own fish farms.
“To support this, MDF is establishing a 100,000-capacity fish farm with a dedicated processing plant,” she added.
In order to ensure a market for the farm produce, Dr. Bissiw pointed out that off-takers had already been found, guaranteeing the trainees’ ability to generate revenue and maintain their business.
She stated that youth cooperatives will be involved in the poultry production, with an emphasis on layers and broilers. “For broilers, every 35 days there’s profit potential of 45 to 50 percent if done right,” she said.
“We want young people to see agriculture not just as survival but as a viable, profitable venture,” she said.
Dr. Bissiw highlighted MDF’s approach of securing land banks for development by collaborating closely with traditional leaders.
“Once land is released by chiefs, it will be registered in the name of the Minerals Development Fund and used to establish youth agricultural cooperatives. These groups will be supported with seedlings, technical assistance, and equipment to improve productivity and ensure long-term success,” she said.
Additionally, the Fund is implementing the “polluter pays” policy, which targets businesses that harm the environment and illicit miners.
“If you pollute the water or leave a dangerous pit behind, you must repair the damage or pay for it. Government should not be left to cover the cost of your destruction,” Dr. Bissiw said.
“A task force has been set up to ensure that mining companies pay their royalties, report revenues transparently, and adhere to the law,” she added.
Citing the lithium location that has not yet been extracted, she stated that MDF plans to aggressively involve communities, chiefs, and potential mining corporations in order to create equitable community benefit agreements prior to any extraction starting.
Dr. Bissiw emphasized MDF’s collaborations with private financiers and other interested parties to expand education and community development.
“Plans are also in place to request scholarships for students from mining communities, with investments in quality schooling to offer children a better future.”
“We want to give the youth a sense of hope and a reason to move away from illegal mining. We are building a future rooted in opportunity, sustainability, and accountability,” she said.
Source: newsthemegh.com