The Minerals Development Fund has reiterated its commitment to driving sustainable development in mining communities.

Established by Act 912, the fund is responsible for the development of mining communities.

In a New Year message, Administrator of the fund, Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei, assured commitment to delivering on their mandate.

"We remain committed to protecting our environment and ensuring that Ghana's mineral resources drive sustainable development in mining communities and beyond," the message read.

In 2026, the fund is envisaging partnerships to help improve lives in mining communities.

"May the New Year bring renewed hope, stronger partnerships, and greater impact to benefit our mining communities," Dr. Bisiw-Kotei added.

Illegal mining has negatively impacted many mining communities, threatening lives.

The Minerals Development Fund has made efforts to restore livelihoods and reduce the impact of the illegality on the people.

Protection of Children in Mining Communities

In 2026, the Minerals Development Fund aims to improve education in mining communities.

Last year, the fund provided educational materials to pupils of Atatam D/A Basic School.

The community and students were excited about the materials, which they claimed would positively affect education.

Prior to the donation, the MDF had saved the school from illegal mining activities.

The school was surrounded by illegal mining activities, which halted teaching and learning due to noise from excavators.

Students were at risk of falling into pits and exposure to heavy metals.

After halting the illegality, measures were taken to cover the pits and protect pupils.

The MDF has earmarked other institutions with similar challenges for intervention this year.

Reclamation Efforts

Through the Minerals Development Fund, some small-scale miners have commenced reclamation of their mined lands.

This followed an initiative by the fund to engage miners in voluntary reclamation efforts.

In the Ashanti Region, 15 deaths were recorded in reported pit collapse cases.

The MDF has decided to pursue persons who leave pits undone. Some mining communities have been restored, and in 2026, the MDF will increase surveillance.

Sustainable Mining Initiative

The MDF launched an environmentally sustainable mining initiative to reduce water and land degradation in small-scale mining.

The initiative employs green technologies and mercury-free gold processing methods.

The pilot was done in the Ahafo Region.

In 2026, the MDF will roll out the initiative in other mining communities