The National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) unveiled its latest flagship initiative, Entrepreneurship Jobs for All (E-Jobs4All), specifically tailored for the youth in Ghana’s mining regions. On Tuesday, November 28, 2024, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, positioned the project as a pivotal element of the government’s commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities for youth in mining regions.
He highlighted various governmental measures, including designating water bodies as Red Zones and prohibiting specific mining activities, aimed at addressing environmental and illegal mining challenges. The Minister assured continued support for mining communities through the Minerals Development Fund and alternative livelihood programs, engaging with mining companies to ensure their meaningful contributions to community development.
Hon. Jinapor underscored ‘E-Jobs4All’ as a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change, and a commendable solution to Ghana’s pressing challenge of unemployment, emphasizing its goal to empower youth, foster innovation, and unlock the potential within mining communities.
Dr. Louise Carol Serwaa Donkor, the Coordinator of NAELP, positioned E-Jobs4All as an intersection of innovation, empowerment, and sustainable development, adapting to dynamic global changes. She commended the collaborative efforts of agencies, partners, and visionaries who contributed to making the initiative a reality. Kingsley Kwaku Pinkrah, the Founder and CEO of CEDI Ghana, highlighted that E-Jobs4All goes beyond addressing the adverse effects of illegal mining, focusing on establishing avenues for sustainable livelihoods, fostering innovation, and empowering individuals to contribute positively to their communities and the national economy.
The launch garnered supportive goodwill messages from partners such as Mr. Matt Hawksley, Founder and CEO of Leaders In Doing Good (Leadogo) Inc. Canada, and Prof. Greg Bavington, Executive Director of Queens University.
Aligned with NAELP’s core mandate, the Entrepreneurship Jobs for All (E-Jobs4All) initiative aims to promote sustainable businesses in mining communities, absorbing the talents of unemployed youth and contributing to regional development. The successful launch of E-Jobs4All marks a significant step toward realizing these objectives.
