Ambassador Samuel Ben Owusu advocates long-term livelihood fund to curb galamsey
Head of Missions for Pan Africa AU Agenda 2063, Ambassador Samuel Ben Owusu, has called on the government to establish a Sustainable Revenue and Support Fund aimed at providing alternative livelihoods for Ghanaian youth and miners.
Speaking at the Africa Day Celebration Leadership Summit in Accra on Monday, Amb. Dr. Owusu said the fund would help reduce dependence on illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, while promoting economic empowerment and environmental protection.
“The fight against galamsey cannot be won by enforcement alone. We must address the root cause by creating viable economic alternatives for our youth and miners,” he stated. “A dedicated fund would provide training, capital, and support for ventures in agriculture, renewable energy, and technology that are both profitable and environmentally sustainable.”
He explained that such an initiative would align with the summit’s theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water, Science and Technology, Peace and Security for Development,” and with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals of inclusive growth and environmental stewardship.
Amb. Dr. Owusu urged the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and development partners to collaborate on structuring the fund to ensure transparency, accessibility, and measurable impact at the community level.
The proposal was made during the summit organised by the Pan Africa AU Agenda 2063 Office, in collaboration with the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) Ghana, hosted the Africa Day Celebration Leadership Summit.
It was on the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water, Science and Technology, Peace and Security for Development.”
The summit brought together diplomats, government officials, academics and civil society leaders to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity/African Union.
Discussions focused on the importance of sustainable water management, investment in science and technology, as well as stronger peace and security systems as key drivers of Africa’s development and self-reliance.
Speakers emphasised that the goals of Agenda 2063 could not be achieved without prioritising these critical sectors.
The session also advanced the Accra Declaration while outlining policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Ghana’s role in continental integration and peace advocacy.
Among dignitaries present at the event were Prof. Lord Mensah of the Local Government Service, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration Justice Amevor, and Prof. Wazi Apoh of the University of Ghana. Organisers described their contributions as instrumental in shaping practical solutions for the region.
IAWPA Ghana further underscored the importance of youth, civil society groups and peace advocates in turning policy decisions into concrete action, particularly in the areas of water security, technological innovation and conflict prevention.
The summit ended with the inauguration of a working group tasked with monitoring the implementation of the Accra Declaration and coordinating actionable recommendations on water, science, technology, peace and security for submission at the African Union’s next continental review.
In his closing remarks, Amb. Dr. Owusu urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions to implementation, stressing that “Africa’s future depends on securing the resources and stability that allow science, innovation and peace to drive development.”
