Government Launches rCOMSDEP in Ahanta West, Mpohor Fiase to Promote Responsible Mining
The Government has launched the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in the Ahanta West and Mpohor Fiase areas of the Western Region to formalise small-scale mining, protect the environment and ensure that mining communities benefit directly from mineral resources.
The programme is expected to provide small-scale miners with a legal and organised framework for their operations while promoting job creation, environmental protection and improved livelihoods in mining communities.
Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Yusif Sulemana, said responsible mining must go beyond mineral extraction to deliver tangible benefits to host communities, including employment opportunities and support for local assemblies and traditional authorities.
He said the initiative was designed to give small-scale miners a legitimate pathway to operate within the law while promoting sustainable mining practices.
Mr Sulemana said the government was collaborating with relevant institutions, including the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to register and certify mining groups and cooperatives participating in the programme.
He explained that the formalisation process would provide miners with the necessary regulatory backing to operate legally and help ensure that the initiative remained sustainable beyond changes in government.
The Deputy Minister urged participating cooperatives to prioritise the employment of people from their host communities, respect traditional authorities and landowners, and ensure that the benefits derived from mining were shared fairly with residents.
He said the programme should serve as a means of improving livelihoods and strengthening the relationship between mining operations and the communities in which they operate.
Mr Sulemana also called for the adoption of modern mineral-processing technologies to reduce the use of harmful chemicals, particularly mercury and cyanide, in gold extraction.
He noted that such technologies could improve gold recovery while minimising damage to rivers, farmlands and other natural resources.
He assured stakeholders that the relevant regulatory agencies would continue to monitor mining activities and provide the necessary support to help cooperatives comply with the programme’s requirements.
The Deputy Minister said adherence to environmental standards and responsible mining practices was essential to ensuring that mineral resources contributed to national development without compromising the environment and the well-being of future generations.
The Acting National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP, Mr Sheihu Sidiqq, acknowledged the devastating effects of illegal and irresponsible mining on the country’s water bodies, forests and farmlands.
He, however, recognised that small-scale mining remained an important source of livelihood for many families, stressing the need to organise the sector to promote lawful and environmentally responsible operations.
Mr Sidiqq urged participating cooperatives to satisfy the requirements for accessing mining concessions, comply with regulatory obligations and uphold high standards of safety, transparency and environmental stewardship.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
