By Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Accra, Aug.04, GNA – Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ proposal to implement and transition the Community Mining Scheme (CMS) and the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) into responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
The approval is in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to create sustainable jobs through responsible cooperative mining.
A statement issued by Ama Mawusi Mawueyefia, Director of Communications, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, said the new initiative will serve as Ghana’s flagship programme for reforming artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) by synthesising lessons from CMS and NAELP, while addressing their shortcomings through improved coordination, implementation and efficient resource utilisation.
The statement, copied to the Ghana News Agency, in Accra, on Monday, said, “at its core, the programme will promote the establishment of locally owned mining cooperatives, providing members with professional training, legal concessions, and access to shared processing facilities equipped with modern recovery technologies and water treatment systems.
“This integrated approach will not only enhance operational efficiency and gold recovery rates but also systematically eliminate the use of harmful mercury through centralised, regulated processing centres.”
It said the cornerstone of the programme is its emphasis on skills development, which will not only support mining enterprises but also diversify livelihood options for local populations.
The statement indicated that the COMSDEP is fundamentally designed to achieve sustainable community transformation through three critical objectives, namely, to promote and regulate environmentally responsible cooperative mining, restore lands degraded by illegal mining for productive use in agriculture, forestry, and other income-generating activities and provide vocational, technical, agricultural, digital, and entrepreneurial training to youth and women, equipping them with relevant skills for alternative employment and self-employment.
The programme is structured around six interconnected pillars including cooperative Mining Scheme, establishment of community-owned mining enterprises with centralised processing facilities employing mercury-free technologies and ensuring environmentally responsible extraction while maximising mineral recovery and local economic benefits.
It is expected to provide comprehensive technical support, including modern equipment leasing, geological surveying, safety training, and regulatory compliance assistance to elevate operational standards across cooperative mining.
As Ghana embarks on the transformative journey, the Ministry urged all stakeholders including traditional authorities, youth groups, civil society, and private sector players to actively participate in the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
“Together, we can reshape the future of artisanal and small-scale mining, restore our environment, and create new opportunities for inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods,” the statement added.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah