Gloria Ofori-Boadu, a Managing Legal Practitioner, has commended the former Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson, for her significant contributions to the growth of aquaculture, particularly in inland communities of Ghana. Ofori-Boadu highlighted a specific initiative under Koomson’s leadership where a GH¢30,000 grant was provided to youth to establish aquaculture infrastructure and acquire fingerlings. This program, according to Ofori-Boadu, aimed to create employment opportunities and curb the prevalence of illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” which attracts many young people seeking income. Ofori-Boadu believes this initiative holds a successful template for job creation and income generation that the current government could leverage.
Ofori-Boadu emphasized the strategic importance of focusing on aquaculture to provide alternative livelihood options for communities not located along the coast. She argued that Koomson’s approach targeted inland forest communities, offering a viable alternative to the risky and environmentally destructive practice of galamsey. By providing financial support and resources for aquaculture ventures, the initiative empowered young people to engage in sustainable income-generating activities, potentially curbing their involvement in illegal mining.
The core of Ofori-Boadu’s argument lies in her belief that Koomson possesses a valuable and proven template for successful job creation within the aquaculture sector. She urged the current government to consult with Koomson and utilize her expertise in developing strategies to address unemployment, especially in areas prone to galamsey. This consultation, she suggests, would allow the government to tap into Koomson’s experience and insights, potentially replicating the success of her previous initiatives.
Ofori-Boadu’s call for consultation stems from her conviction that Koomson’s approach addresses a critical need: providing economically viable alternatives to galamsey. She pointed out the meager earnings of GH¢100 to GH¢200 that young people typically make from illegal mining, emphasizing that aquaculture could provide a more sustainable and potentially more lucrative income stream. By learning from Koomson’s successful model, the government could implement programs that offer young people a chance to earn significantly more while contributing to a legitimate and environmentally responsible sector.
The emphasis on consultation with Koomson highlights the importance of learning from past successes in policy implementation. Ofori-Boadu’s argument is not simply about praising Koomson’s past performance but about extracting the valuable lessons learned and applying them to current challenges. This approach, she suggests, is more efficient and effective than reinventing the wheel and potentially missing out on proven strategies that have already demonstrated positive results in tackling unemployment and providing alternatives to galamsey.
Ultimately, Ofori-Boadu’s appeal to the government underscores the urgency of addressing youth unemployment, particularly in areas affected by illegal mining. She advocates for a pragmatic approach that leverages existing successful models, specifically Koomson’s aquaculture initiative, to create sustainable job opportunities and offer young people a pathway to a more secure and prosperous future. By doing so, the government could not only reduce unemployment but also contribute to environmental protection by discouraging the environmentally damaging practice of galamsey.
