Mahama pledges to create jobs for the youth through re-afforestation policy in mining areas

Former president John Dramani Mahama has promised to use re-afforestation (planting trees) policy dubbed “Atree4Life” in mining regions to generate jobs for Ghana’s youth if elected as president in the coming December 7th general elections.

He claimed that by using the program he has named “Atree4Life,” the youth will supervise the development of commercially viable tree crops, turning reforestation into an economically lucrative endeavor.

He revealed this initiative in Sunyani at the third annual transformative dialogue on small-scale mining.

However, the former president also mentioned that the “Atree4Life” project will support environmental preservation in addition to providing a viable path for economic development and growth in a social media post made today Friday, May 17, 2024.

In addition to the “Atree4Life” policy, Mr. Mahama, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for the next election, declared that he would launch a “Blue Water Initiative” to purify the contaminated water bodies in mining areas.

The policy, he said, would be a critical step toward sustainable and ethical mining operations and will be carried out in collaboration with the Ghana Water Company, the Water Resources Commission, and other development partners.

“I am confident it will positively change the environment and the local communities. Together, we can make a difference for future generations,” Mr Mahama added.

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I announced plans to launch a #Atree4Life project at the 3rd annual transformative dialogue on small-scale mining in Sunyani. With the active involvement of young people, this project aims to re-afforest mining areas while creating job opportunities. It will transform re-afforestation into an economically engaging activity, offering a promising avenue for economic development. The youth will oversee the growth of economically viable tree crops, contributing to environmental conservation and economic growth.

In addition, a Blue Water Initiative will be implemented in partnership with the Water Resources Commission, Ghana Water Company, and our development partners to clean the impacted water bodies in mining areas.

This initiative is a crucial step towards sustainable and responsible mining practices. I am confident it will positively change the environment and the local communities. Together, we can make a difference for future generations.