By Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Accra, Oct. 15, GNA – Government has launched the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in the Ahanta West and Mpohor Fiase districts of the Western Region to formalise small-scale mining, to ensure that mining communities benefit directly from the country’s mineral resources.
Addressing stakeholders at the launch, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, underscored the importance of responsible mining practices, saying, mining should go beyond mineral extraction to create jobs, support local assemblies and traditional authorities, and improve the livelihoods of residents.
He explained that the programme was designed to provide small-scale miners with a legitimate and organised pathway to operate responsibly.
Alhaji Sulemana said the government was collaborating with key institutions, including the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to register and certify mining groups and cooperatives.
He noted that the formalisation process would provide miners with the necessary regulatory backing to operate within the law while ensuring the initiative remained sustainable beyond changes in government.
The Deputy Minister urged mining cooperatives to employ people from their host communities, respect traditional authorities and landowners, and ensure that the benefits of mining were shared with local residents.
He also stressed the need to adopt modern mineral-processing technologies to reduce dependence on harmful chemicals such as mercury and cyanide.
“Such technologies could improve gold recovery while limiting environmental damage, particularly to rivers, farmlands and other natural resources,” he stated.
Alhaji Sulemana assured stakeholders that the relevant agencies would continue to monitor mining activities and support cooperatives in meeting the programme’s requirements.
For his part, Mr Sheihu Sidiqq, Acting National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP, acknowledged the devastating impact of illegal and irresponsible mining on the country’s water bodies, forests and farmlands, while recognising that small-scale mining remained an important source of livelihood for many families.
He called on participating cooperatives to meet the requirements for accessing concessions, comply with all regulatory obligations, and uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency and environmental stewardship.
The launch of rCOMSDEP in Ahanta West and Mpohor Fiase marks another step in Government’s drive to formalise small-scale mining and promote environmentally responsible operations.
Nzema East District in the Western Region is expected to be the next area to benefit from the programme.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Email: [email protected]