The Kadehene, Osabarima Asare Twe II, has urged the government to create more job opportunities for the youth if it is committed to ending illegal small-scale mining in the country.
He also pledged to release between 20,000 and 30,000 acres of land in Kade for oil palm plantations under the “Youth in Palm Plantation” initiative.
The pledge was made by the traditional leader at the media launch of the initiative in Accra on Saturday, organised by the Kade Traditional Area in collaboration with PHILBRO Group of Companies, under the theme: ‘Empowering the Youth in Agribusiness.’
The initiative aims to empower young people through sustainable palm plantation development while promoting economic growth and environmental conservation.
Speaking at the event, Osabarima Asare Twe II said supporting youth to venture into palm cultivation was a practical way to tackle unemployment and curb illegal mining.
“I am glad to say that since my enstoolment as Kadehene, this is my first initiative. During my first outing, I promised to organise a palm festival because I realised that we needed to create job opportunities for our youth before we can stop them from engaging in illegal small-scale mining,” he said.
“I also realised that the lands that had been destroyed as a result of illegal mining activities could be used for palm plantation. So, I discussed with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PHILBRO my intention to partner with him by giving out 20,000 to 30,000 acres of land to support the youth who are interested in palm plantation,” he added.
The traditional leader appealed to the government to support the initiative to help create jobs and address illegal mining.
He further urged citizens, especially the youth, to participate in the upcoming palm festival scheduled for May in Kade, noting that the three-day event would feature a business forum.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, said the Authority remained committed to supporting young people to venture into agriculture through various programmes, including skills training programmes.
The Deputy Director of Oil Palm at the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Yaw Adjei-Agyepong, speaking on behalf of its CEO, Dr Andy Osei Okrah, highlighted opportunities across the oil palm value chain, including nursery development and certified seedling production.
He added that the TCDA would continue to promote youth participation in the sector by facilitating access to planting materials, supporting out-grower schemes, strengthening licensing and quality standards, and enhancing skills development.
Musician Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, encouraged the youth to take advantage of the initiative, noting that the oil palm sector offers numerous employment opportunities.
He also advised them to remain disciplined, stay focused, and seek guidance from experienced individuals to grow their businesses.
BY BENJAMIN ARCTON TETTEY
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