The Head of Missions for Pan Africa AU Agenda 2063, Ambassador Dr. 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 yesterday at the Africa Day Celebration Leadership Summit in Accra, 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 organized by the Pan Africa AU Agenda 2063 Office in collaboration with IAWPA Ghana to mark Africa Day and advance policy dialogue on continental priorities.