Galamsey: Women more receptive to alternative Livelihood opportunities, target them- FoN

Government have been urged to channel resources as provided in its alternative livelihood programmes, towards empowering women engaged in the illegal mining value chain. Natural Resources Governance Coordinator of the Friends of the Nation, Solomon Kusi Ampofo says such intervention should be more targeted, and most importantly be backed by data.

According to him, it is wasteful, an approach taken by government to bundle up all galamsey-affected-persons in mining communities for a predefined alternative livelihood programme.

He argues that, women are more receptive to these interventions, as they are the most vulnerable group of persons in that illicit trade.

“For any diversified or investment opportunities, it is important that we do real targeting to identify those whose needs are along the value chain. And I proposed that we should focus on providing such support for women.

“Because they are most impacted by the hazards at the small scale mining sites, and they also receive relatively lower incomes compared to their male counterparts. And they are more open for any kind of training that will help them diversify their sources of income and then increase their level of livelihood” he explained. 

Mr. Ampofo stressed that any intervention in this regard, need to be varied to reflect on the uniqueness of interest and capacities of the affected or target group.

“It is very important that in any diversified livelihood intervention, we do a critical analysis backed by data.

“You cant do a wholesale livelihood intervention for people without really assessing their real needs are, and the dynamics on the ground. What other models we can train people on” he clarified.

The Friends of the Nation is currently implementing an election project aimed at influencing political party manifestos, with an active voice from Ghanaians in the extractive and fisheries sectors. The project is being funded by STAR Ghana Foundation.