The training, provided by the Community Partnerships for Citizens Action and Development (COPCAD), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), was under its Sustainable Communities Against Illegal Mining (SCAIM) project.

The project, with funding support from the KGL Foundation, sought to promote rabbit farming as a sustainable, eco-friendly, and inclusive alternative livelihood, targeting communities economically and environmentally impacted by illegal mining.

It would target the youth, particularly those in galamsey-affected communities, young girls, Persons with Disabilities, and women among other vulnerable groups.
It would also promote community-based monitoring and advocacy systems to discourage destructive mining practices and protect natural resources.

The training formed part of the piloting phase of the SCAIM project where beneficiaries were assisted with three rabbits, feeds for the animals, and other essentials as start-up kits.

Mr Alfred Aggrey, a Project Officer at COPCAD, speaking during the training at Mpohor, said galamsey had caused devastation to water bodies, forest reserves and the environment in general, hence, the need to provide alternative means of livelihoods to those in communities affected by the menace.

He said the project was specifically targeting vulnerable groups because the socio-economic and health impacts of illegal mining were profound on these individuals.
He stated that: “This is not just about farming, but it is about empowerment, environmental justice, and community-led change, where our aim is to help educate, support, and uplift vulnerable groups, so that we can build resilient communities that can thrive without depending on illegal mining activities.”

Mr Aggrey asked the beneficiaries to put in much efforts to manage the rabbits well to ensure the success of the project.

“This is just the piloting phase so we are encouraging you to make good use of the training and ensure proper care for the rabbits so that the project can achieve its desired outcomes for full roll-out,” he added.

Mr Nii Ankonu Annorbah-Sarpei, Programmes Manager, KGL Foundation, said galamsey had been a major environmental crisis in the Mpohor-Fiase District and the country in general, therefore, it demanded the action from all stakeholders to tackle it.

He said: “We hope that with this initiative, we can get the people to become economic independent and be in the position to take care of their households without resorting to galamsey.”
He expressed the hope that the beneficiaries would take the project seriously to help achieve its intended purpose.

Mr Richard Bukari-Pumi, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to COPCAD and its partners for the training, and said they would ensure the success of the project to help reduce the dependence on illegal mining for survival among the youth in the district, while protecting water bodies and farm lands from further destruction.