Speaking during a stakeholder forum, Dr. Bissiw disclosed that the programme would focus on skills development in areas such as drone fabrication for agricultural purposes, aquaculture, and poultry farming.

"These efforts are part of MDF's broader strategy to provide alternative livelihoods and steer youth away from illegal mining activities," she said.

Dr. Bissiw added that persons living with disabilities would also be trained in the manufacturing and use of drones for spraying farmlands, enhancing modern farming techniques.
She said the youth would be trained in aquaculture and provided with startup kits to support their own fish farming operations.

"To support this, MDF is establishing a 100,000-capacity fish farm with a dedicated processing plant," she added.

Dr. Bissiw noted that off-takers had already been secured to guarantee a market for the farm produce, ensuring income generation and business sustainability for the trainees.
She said the poultry farming would be done with youth cooperatives, focusing on both broilers and layers. "For broilers, every 35 days there's profit potential of 45 to 50 per cent if done right," she explained.

"We want young people to see agriculture not just as survival but as a viable, profitable venture," she said.

Dr. Bissiw emphasized MDF's strategy of working closely with traditional leaders to secure land banks for development.

"Once land is released by chiefs, it will be registered in the name of the Minerals Development Fund and used to establish youth agricultural cooperatives. These groups will be supported with seedlings, technical assistance, and equipment to improve productivity and ensure long-term success," she said.

The Fund is also introducing a "polluter pays" principle, targeting illegal miners and companies that cause environmental damage.

"If you pollute the water or leave a dangerous pit behind, you must repair the damage or pay for it. Government should not be left to cover the cost of your destruction," Dr. Bissiw said.

"A task force has been set up to ensure that mining companies pay their royalties, report revenues transparently, and adhere to the law," she added.
She said MDF intends to proactively engage communities, chiefs, and future mining companies to establish fair community benefit agreements before any extraction begins, citing the yet to extract lithium site.

Dr. Bissiw highlighted MDF's partnerships with private investors and other stakeholders to scale up community development and education.

"Plans are also in place to request scholarships for students from mining communities, with investments in quality schooling to offer children a better future."

"We want to give the youth a sense of hope and a reason to move away from illegal mining. We are building a future rooted in opportunity, sustainability, and accountability," she said.