Obrayebona: The Community Partnerships for Citizens Action and Development (COPCAD), a non-governmental organisation, has introduced rabbit rearing to residents of Obrayebona in the Mpohor-Fiase District of the Western Region. This initiative serves as an alternative livelihood to illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, which has become a significant source of income for many young people in the rural community.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative is part of COPCAD's Sustainable Communities Against Illegal Mining (SCAIM) project, funded by the KGL Foundation. The project aims to promote rabbit farming as a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and inclusive livelihood option for communities affected by the economic and environmental impacts of illegal mining activities.
The SCAIM project also seeks to establish community-based monitoring and advocacy systems to deter destructive mining practices and protect natural resources. It targets youth, women, young girls, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and other vulnerable groups within the community.
Mr Alfred Aggrey, Project Officer of COPCAD, explained that the project is one of the organisation's strategic interventions to address the detrimental effects of illegal mining in the Mpohor-Fiase District. During an inception meeting to introduce the project to the chief and residents of Obrayebona, Mr Aggrey announced that the initiative would begin with a pilot phase. Selected individuals will receive rabbits and essential inputs to assess the project's broader impact before a full-scale rollout.
Beneficiaries will also receive technical support from veterinary officers and assistance in accessing markets for their mature rabbits. Mr Aggrey emphasized that this project focuses on empowerment, environmental justice, and community-led change, aiming to educate, support, and uplift vulnerable groups.
The ultimate goal is to build resilient communities capable of thriving without relying on illegal mining activities. Mr Aggrey urged all stakeholders to support and cooperate for the successful implementation of the project. Participants who spoke to Ghana News Agency expressed their support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to reduce youth dependency on illegal mining for survival.