The National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) has condemned the unsubstantiated accusations circulating on social media that have accused the organization of being a politically motivated scheme that pays employees for no work.
The claims, first made in a Facebook post by an individual identified as Nana Ama Osei Kufuor, have been described by NAELP as ‘baseless, defamatory, and an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the programme and its staff.’
In a statement by the organization, NAELP denied the allegations, emphasizing its significant contributions to Ghana’s sustainable development since its inception.
“These unfounded accusations undermine the remarkable achievements of NAELP and tarnish the reputation of our hardworking employees and the National Coordinator, Dr. Louise Carol Serwaa Donkor,” the statement said.
The Facebook post accused NAELP of being a pseudo-political entity under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources that allegedly pays employees who do not do any field work.
It also claimed that NAELP staff were recruited to campaign for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2024 and implicated the Ministry’s Chief Directors in the alleged scheme.
NAELP clarified that it is a non-partisan, government-initiated programme launched on October 25, 2021, by Former President Nana AddoDan kwaAkufo-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.
NAELP 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.
NAELP dismissed the claim that staff were recruited for political campaigns as ‘preposterous and entirely untrue.’
Among its notable accomplishments, NAELP 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,” NAELP stated. 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.
