By P.K. Yankey
Ayisakro (W/R), Oct. 17, GNA – Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has launched the Nzema-East Cooperative Mining Societies as part of government’s roll-out of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
The Cooperative Mining Societies are Axim-Agona, Akango-Duale and Adelekezo.
The initiative sought to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining, halt illegal mining popularly called galamsey, promote environmental protection and improve upon local livelihoods.
At the official launch at Ayisakro in the Nzema-East Municipality, Mr. Buah, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembelle, charged the communities to undergo requisite training and comply with all regulatory and legal obligations.
He said Mining Cooperative Societies which failed to operate within the standards set by the Minerals Commission and rCOMSDEP would lose their official mining concessions.
Mr. Buah urged them to prioritize site safety, transparency, land reclamation and environmental restoration.
Mr. Sheihu Siddiq, Acting National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP, said his department would ensure that the cooperatives complied with regulatory standards.
He stressed government’s commitment to promoting a mining system that balanced economic opportunities with environmental protection and responsible resource management.
Mr. Joseph Anyimiah, Deputy CEO of Minerals Commission, asked the cooperatives to operate within the limits of lawful authorization and adhere strictly to mining, environmental and operational safety requirements.
Mr. Kofi Arko-Nokoe, Member of Parliament (MP) for Evalue-Ajomoro Gwira, said resources of the land must benefit the indigenous people through lawful, safe and environmentally positive means.
Awulae Agyefi Kwame II, Paramount Chief of Lower Town Axim and Nsein Traditional Area, who chaired the function, assured that traditional rulers in the Western Region would stand solidly behind the Minister to extract the mineral resources responsibly for the benefit of the people.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga /Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: P.K. Yankey
Email: [email protected]