The Minerals Commission has announced plans to increase the distribution of oil palm seedlings from over one million to over two million seedlings in 2021 planting season.

This according to the Board Chairman of Minerals Commission Sampson Kwaku Boafo was as a result of high demand of the seedlings which forms part of the Commission’s flagship initiative for mining communities( Alternative livelihood Programe).

The project which targets the preparation of over 18,600 acres of oil palm plantation in 2020 within the project catchment areas in the Eastern region and other mining communities is to redirect the energies of the young ones engaged in the illegal mining menace to a one sure way of ensuring sustainable livelihoods that will provide economic sustenance to members of mining communities.

According to the board Chair of Minerals Commission,the initiative by the Minerals Commission forms part of concerted efforts by the government to rid of the country the menace of illegal mining (Galamsey) activities that have destroyed several farmlands, forest and water bodies.
He further urged Ghanaians in the mining areas to focus more on agriculture which according to him is a sustainable way of ensuring permanent growth. Mr Boafo also assured farmers that the commission will address all petinent challenges related to the project to ensure the farmers enjoy a smooth harvest.

He made these known when board members of the minerals Commission paid a visit to farmers within Akwatia and it environs to inspect level of the alternative livelihood Programe.

The project is being implemented in mining communities such as Akwatia, Baminase, Otwinkwanta, Nyankomase Ahwenease, Apedwa, Apapam, Adadientem Abirem, Adausena, Hweakwae, Afosu, and Amanfrom.

The interventions have been developed to equip people living in mining communities with skills to improve upon their economic lives independent of mining and to ensure that mining communities do not become ghost towns even after cessation of mining.