The National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) has strongly denied allegations accusing the organization of operating as a politically driven entity that compensates employees without assigning them any work.
The accusations, initially made in a Facebook post by Nana Ama Osei Kufuor, have been dismissed by NAELP as “groundless and defamatory,” aimed at discrediting the program and its leadership.
In an official response, the agency emphasized its dedication to sustainable development and its notable contributions since its establishment. The statement stressed the organization’s commitment to transparency and efficiency, calling the allegations an attempt to mislead the public.
“These baseless claims seek to undermine the significant progress NAELP has achieved and to tarnish the integrity of our dedicated staff, as well as the National Coordinator, Dr. Louise Carol Serwaa Donkor,” the statement said.
The original Facebook post alleged that NAELP, under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, serves as a pseudo-political organization recruiting staff to campaign for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2024. It further claimed that employees are paid without engaging in fieldwork and implicated the Ministry’s Chief Directors in the alleged scheme.
The organization has reaffirmed its focus on providing alternative livelihoods and supporting sustainable initiatives, rejecting the claims as unfounded distractions.
NAELP clarified that it is a non-partisan, government-initiated programme launched on October 25, 2021, by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The programme was established under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to provide alternative livelihoods for those displaced by the government’s crackdown on illegal mining.
“Our mission is clear: to restore lands degraded by illegal mining, create pathways for sustainable employment, and inspire entrepreneurship,” NAELP stated.
Explaining its achievements, NAELP noted that the programme has created over 80,000 direct and indirect jobs, trained nearly 2,000 youths in entrepreneurship, and reclaimed approximately 1,000 hectares of degraded land in the Eastern, Western North, and Ashanti regions.
“These accomplishments are measurable and transformative, demonstrating NAELP’s commitment to sustainable development and economic resilience,” the statement emphasized.
It described the allegations of paying employees for no work as ‘deeply disrespectful’ to the professionals dedicated to the programme’s objectives.
“The list shared by the accuser is not evidence of a political scheme but a roster of actual staff members fulfilling essential roles within NAELP,” the statement clarified.
The agency dismissed the claim that staff were recruited for political campaigns as ‘preposterous and entirely untrue.’
Among its notable accomplishments, the agency cited its afforestation efforts, which have nursed over 20 million tree seedlings expected to offset more than 20,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases in the next two decades. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like GIZ and AngloGold Ashanti have provided training, machinery, and start-up kits for artisans and entrepreneurs.
“These initiatives not only empower local communities but also contribute to Ghana’s broader climate and economic goals,” the statement said.
NAELP also addressed separate allegations by another individual, Mercedes Nye Rowe Asamani, claiming the organization had received millions of dollars in climate funds. NAELP categorically denied receiving any such funds.
“We challenge the accuser to name any such fund. These allegations are entirely false and appear to be part of a deliberate campaign to misinform the public,” the statement said.
Such baseless claims, according to NAELP, not only defame the agency but also endanger the lives of our staff and could lead to a breach of public peace.”
The organization urged the public to disregard the allegations and recognize NAELP’s verifiable successes.
“NAELP remains committed to its mission and will not be distracted by misinformation campaigns. Our work speaks for itself through documented evidence and testimonies from beneficiaries,” the statement read.
NAELP hinted at potential legal action against individuals propagating defamatory content.
The organization warned that it reserves the right to pursue legal measures to protect its reputation and the integrity of the staff.
By Alhassan Abass/thenewsbulletin24.com
