The Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah has led an initiative aimed at promoting farming as an alternative to illegal mining in the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa district.
The project supports individuals cultivating government-supplied trees and local foodstuffs, positioning agriculture as a viable solution to unemployment and environmental degradation.
“I’m eager to encourage more youth to venture into farming, and I’m committed to supporting them on this journey”
Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, Central Regional Minister
Hon. Eduamoah highlighted the initiative as a “model for sustainable development,” emphasizing its positive impact on economic growth, food security, and youth employment.
“If you’re a young person interested in farming, I invite you to reach out to me. Together, we can explore opportunities and resources to help you get started”
Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, Central Regional Minister
He encouraged young people to take up farming and pledged his support to those willing to make the transition.
He called on government agencies and private stakeholders to collaborate in expanding the initiative.
“This initiative is a call to action for other agencies and government bodies to support our efforts in providing employment opportunities, reducing galamsey, and promoting sustainable development in the Central Region.
“Let’s work together to create a better future for our youth and our region”
Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, Central Regional Minister
He further stressed the importance of a collective effort in combating illegal mining while creating sustainable employment opportunities.
From Illegal Mining To Farming
The initiative stems from Hon. Eduamoah’s visit to a galamsey site on February 25, 2025, where he engaged with two individuals who had previously relied on illegal mining for their livelihood.
They shared their struggles with unemployment, which initially pushed them into galamsey, but they also expressed an interest in transitioning to farming if given the opportunity.
“After consultation with relevant stakeholders, I am excited to announce that I have secured 75 acres of land at Asikuma Odoben Brakwa.
“Here, they will cultivate government-supplied trees and local foodstuffs, benefiting the government, region, and country”
Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, Central Regional Minister
The land was designated for both government-supplied trees and food crops, creating a dual-purpose project that benefits the environment while boosting food production.
Eduamoah emphasized that the project was not just about individual employment but about fostering a broader transformation in the region’s economic development.
By integrating tree planting into the initiative, the government seeks to counteract the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining while improving Ghana’s agricultural output.
Reinforced Commitment to Ending Galamsey
Hon. Eduamoah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of illegal mining by offering viable economic alternatives.
“I am eager to work with stakeholders to ensure the success of this project and create a brighter future for our youth”
Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, Central Regional Minister
He described the project as a step toward reducing Ghana’s dependence on extractive activities that harm the environment, emphasizing the administration’s focus on long-term solutions rather than short-term enforcement actions.
The regional minister stressed that initiatives like this require sustained investment and support from both public and private sectors to be effective.
The government aims to expand opportunities in the agricultural sector, ensuring that individuals transitioning from illegal mining receive the necessary training, land, and resources to succeed.
Eduamoah maintained that the project’s success depends on community involvement, urging young people to embrace the initiative and reject illegal mining as a means of survival.
He expressed optimism that with the right policies and collective effort, Ghana could move away from the challenges of galamsey and build a more sustainable economic future.
“Let’s continue to inspire and empower our youth to become agents of positive change,” he added.
With the government expanding efforts to provide alternative livelihoods, attention shifts to the effectiveness of implementation and the level of support from both state and non-state actors in ensuring the program’s long-term impact.
