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By Ashiadey Dotse President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government is recruiting young people into forest replanting and Blue River Guards programs, offering each participant a monthly stipend of GH¢1,500. Speaking during the 29th edition of the GJA Awards in Kumasi on Saturday, November 8, 2025, the President explained that the youth recruitment initiative forms part of the government’s effort to restore degraded land and protect the environment from illegal mining activities. “These youth will be recruited from communities affected by illegal mining and will receive a monthly stipend of GH¢1,500,” Mahama said. He described illegal mining as a serious threat to Ghana’s environment, noting that entire communities sometimes confront security personnel to resist enforcement efforts. The recruitment of young people into forest replanting and Blue River Guards, he said, would not only protect rivers and restore forests but also provide meaningful employment opportunities for the youth. Mahama also commended journalists who have bravely reported on environmental crimes, emphasizing that their work strengthens the nation’s moral resolve to fight illegal mining. He assured that his government will continue to support initiatives that balance economic growth with environmental protection and sustainable development. The President further revealed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun a pilot reclamation of 1,000 hectares of mined-out land under a public-private partnership, with plans to eventually restore approximately 30,000 hectares of degraded land. Through these programs, the government aims to create jobs, support alternative livelihoods, and safeguard Ghana’s natural resources while ensuring environmental sustainability for future generations. The President also warned that serious actions will be taken against communities who fight anti-galamsey task forces preventing them from undertaking their mandatory operations. Source link
