The launch of three mining cooperatives in Nzema East marks a new phase for small-scale mining in Ghana’s Western Region, with the government seeking to create jobs while protecting the environment and ensuring host communities benefit over the long term.
The Axim-Agona, Akango-Douale and Adelekezo societies were inaugurated in the Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira area under the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
The initiative is designed to give small-scale miners a legal and organised route to operate, while protecting the land and water bodies that support livelihoods in the area.
At the launch, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said the government’s response to illegal mining was not limited to enforcement or the deployment of security personnel.
He said lasting progress would depend on changes in the attitudes and behaviour of Ghanaians.
Mr Buah described community participation as a central part of the government’s approach. He said traditional authorities, students, lawmakers and other stakeholders all needed to contribute to the national discussion on responsible mining.
The minister also highlighted the Tree for Life Initiative, which aims to help restore forests and degraded landscapes. He said preventing further environmental damage had to be matched by efforts to repair areas that had already been destroyed.
Proposed reforms
Mr Buah also outlined reforms contained in a revised mining policy and proposed new mining laws, which are intended to give host communities a greater role in decisions concerning their lands.
Under the proposed system, district mining committees would be chaired by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives. Traditional authorities and key regulatory bodies, including the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Water Resources Commission, would also be represented.
Recommendations made by the committees would then inform decisions on mining licences in their respective districts.
The minister praised the three cooperatives for committing themselves to responsible mining and urged their members to follow the principles of rCOMSDEP.
He also called on them to work with traditional authorities and ensure their activities delivered clear and practical benefits for local residents.
The Paramount Chief of Lower Town Axim and Nsein, Awulae Agyefi Kwame II, welcomed the programme, saying gold mining had contributed to Ghana’s economic activity but that irresponsible operations had caused serious damage to forests, farmland and water bodies.
He praised the government for introducing rCOMSDEP to formalise small-scale mining and strengthen environmental protection. He urged people in Nzema East to support the programme and comply fully with its regulations.
The National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP, Mr Sheihu Sidiqq, said the initiative provided an opportunity to show that small-scale mining could be productive, profitable and environmentally responsible.
He urged the Axim-Agona, Akango-Douale and Adelekezo societies to remain within their authorised concessions, maintain transparency and safety standards, and make community development a core part of their work.
