A new livelihood intervention is offering residents of Obrayebona in the Mpohor-Fiase District of the Western Region an alternative to illegal mining, as efforts intensify to curb “galamsey” activities that dominate the local economy.
The initiative, led by the Community Partnerships for Citizens Action and Development, introduces rabbit rearing as a sustainable income-generating activity under its Sustainable Communities Against Illegal Mining (SCAIM) project.
Funded by the KGL Foundation, the project targets communities heavily impacted by environmental degradation and economic dependence on illegal mining, with a special focus on youth, women, young girls, and persons with disabilities.
At an inception meeting with the chief and residents of Obrayebona, Project Officer Alfred Aggrey explained that the initiative is designed to gradually shift livelihoods away from destructive mining practices toward environmentally friendly agriculture-based enterprises.
He said the rollout will begin with a pilot phase, where selected beneficiaries will receive starter kits, including rabbits and rearing materials, while also receiving technical support from veterinary officers and assistance in accessing markets.
According to him, the project goes beyond animal rearing and is intended as a broader empowerment programme aimed at strengthening community resilience and promoting environmental protection.
Local residents who participated in the engagement welcomed the intervention, expressing optimism that it could reduce the community’s dependence on galamsey and open up more sustainable economic opportunities.
The initiative is expected to also strengthen community-based monitoring systems to discourage illegal mining activities and safeguard natural resources in the district.
