Government has launched the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in Ahanta West and Mpohor Fiase in the Western Region to formalise small-scale mining and promote environmentally responsible operations.
The programme is also intended to create jobs, improve livelihoods in mining communities and ensure residents benefit directly from the country’s mineral resources.
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Yusif Sulemana, speaking at the launch, said responsible mining must extend beyond mineral extraction to support local economic development and protect the environment.
He said the programme would provide small-scale miners with a legitimate and organised framework to operate within the law.
Mr Sulemana said the government was working with institutions, including the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to register and certify mining groups and cooperatives.
He said the formalisation process would provide miners with the regulatory backing needed to operate legally and help ensure the programme’s sustainability.
The deputy minister urged participating cooperatives to employ people from their host communities, respect traditional authorities and landowners, and ensure that mining benefits were shared with local residents.
He also called for the adoption of modern mineral-processing technologies to reduce the use of harmful chemicals such as mercury and cyanide.
He said such technologies could improve gold recovery while reducing damage to rivers, farmlands and other natural resources.
Mr Sulemana assured stakeholders that the relevant agencies would continue to monitor mining activities and support cooperatives to meet the programme’s requirements.
Acting National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP Sheihu Sidiqq acknowledged the damage caused by illegal and irresponsible mining to water bodies, forests and farmlands.
He also recognised the importance of small-scale mining as a source of livelihood for many families, stressing the need for participating cooperatives to comply with regulatory requirements.
Mr Sidiqq urged the groups to meet the conditions for accessing mining concessions and uphold standards of safety, transparency and environmental protection.
The launch in Ahanta West and Mpohor Fiase forms part of the government’s efforts to formalise small-scale mining and encourage responsible operations.
Nzema East in the Western Region is expected to be the next area to benefit from the programme.
