In a surprise move, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has ordered the Forestry Commission to immediately phase out the Youth in Afforestation Project (YAP), a program initiated by the previous government to engage jobless youth in tree planting.
The project, which was launched to promote reforestation and provide employment opportunities for young people, will officially come to an end on March 31, 2025.
According to a letter issued by the Forestry Commission, the decision to phase out the project was made to facilitate the implementation of a comprehensive initiative aligned with the government’s Tree for Life Reforestation Drive.
The Commission has been directed to disengage all YAP beneficiaries by March 4, 2025, and to ensure that all beneficiaries receive a one-month notice in line with the Commission’s rules and regulations.
The cancellation of the YAP has raised concerns among beneficiaries, who have expressed frustration over the delay in payment of their allowances in the past.
The project has been plagued by issues of delayed payments, with some beneficiaries receiving only a month’s allowance despite working for several months.
The Forestry Commission has assured beneficiaries that it is working with the Ministry of Finance to settle all outstanding allowances.
However, the sudden cancellation of the project has left many wondering about the fate of the youth who have been engaged in the project.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
