The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has handed over mining operating permits to the Anwia and Teleku Bokazo Responsible Cooperative Mining Society Limited in the Ellembelle District, officially marking the rollout of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme

The two communities, whose residents are largely engaged in farming and small-scale mining, are the first beneficiaries of the programme.

With the permits, the cooperative has been granted access to mine at an abandoned concession relinquished by Adamus Mining Limited to the Government of Ghana, believed to contain significant mineral deposits.

The development follows a series of negotiations led by the minister with Adamus Mining Limited to release the site for community-based mining.

The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme, a flagship initiative spearheaded by the minister, forms part of the government’s broader efforts to combat illegal mining while promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices.

According to the sector minister, the programme is a key intervention designed to eliminate harmful mining practices, particularly the use of mercury, which poses serious environmental and health risks.

He explained that miners operating under the initiative will undergo comprehensive training in responsible and sustainable mining methods.

In addition, the cooperatives will be supported with modern processing technologies and water treatment systems to significantly reduce pollution and environmental degradation.

“The cooperatives will be guided by strict rules and regulations,” the minister said.

“One of the major challenges miners face is access to water for processing. Under this programme, we are introducing modern technologies that allow miners to extract minerals efficiently and in high volumes without the use of mercury.”

The Minister emphasised that the initiative will not only improve mining practices but also ensure environmental protection, safeguard water bodies, and enhance livelihoods in mining communities.

The Chief Executive Officer of rCOMSDEP, Ing. Frank Asare Pedro, Esq., urged members of the cooperatives to remain law-abiding and adhere strictly to responsible mining practices.

“Government is not against mining; it is against irresponsible mining,” he stated.

“One of the most effective ways to curb illegal mining is to regularise the sector by issuing licences. This allows regulatory bodies such as the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Water Resources Commission to properly supervise operations and ensure compliance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).”

He added that rCOMSDEP will work closely with regulatory agencies to ensure that the cooperatives fully implement the mining practices they have been trained to adopt.

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, also expressed concern about the wanton destruction of water bodies and forest reserves caused by illegal mining activities.

He cautioned illegal miners to desist from destructive practices and enroll under the Responsible Cooperative Mining initiative, warning that the law would soon catch up with those who refuse to comply.

With Anwia and Teleku Bokazo breaking the ice, the ministry plans to roll out the programme to other mining communities across the region and beyond, banking on the success of the Anwia–Teleku Bokazo Responsible Cooperative Mining Society as a model for responsible and sustainable mining in Ghana.