The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has launched four additional Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) schemes in the Western Region, in a renewed push to formalise small-scale mining, create jobs and combat illegal mining.
The four cooperatives, two each in Tarkwa and Bogoso, are expected to provide employment opportunities for local people while encouraging miners to abandon illegal mining practices in favour of regulated and environmentally responsible operations.
The launch, held on Monday, November 9, 2026, in Tarkwa and Bogoso, within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality and Prestea Huni-Valley District respectively, brings more mining communities into the government’s community-based mining initiative.
Addressing stakeholders at the ceremonies, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah stressed that the sustainable development of Ghana’s mining sector depended on strict compliance with mining regulations, responsible extraction practices and a collective commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources.
He said the fight against illegal mining must remain a national priority, requiring concerted efforts from government institutions, traditional authorities, mining communities and other stakeholders.
The Minister described the introduction of the cooperatives in Tarkwa and Bogoso, two of the country’s historic mining centres, as an important step towards strengthening community participation in responsible mining and ensuring that mineral exploitation delivered tangible benefits to host communities.
He cautioned, however, that the economic benefits of mining must not be pursued at the expense of environmental sustainability.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah expressed concern about the scale of environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, particularly the devastation of forest reserves, water bodies and farmlands.
He cited the extent of forest destruction nationwide, which he said was equivalent to more than 12,000 football fields, and insisted that Ghana’s rivers, forests and agricultural lands must be protected against destructive mining activities.
He, therefore, urged the newly established cooperatives and other mining operators to strictly adhere to the laws and institutional frameworks governing the mining industry.
According to him, compliance with mining and environmental regulations was essential not only to protect host communities, but also to promote investor confidence and ensure that the country’s mineral wealth contributed meaningfully to national development.
The Minister further called for greater vigilance and collaboration among stakeholders in confronting illegal mining, assuring that the government remained committed to strengthening measures to protect water bodies, forest reserves and other environmentally sensitive areas.
He urged the beneficiary communities to take ownership of the programme, support lawful mining operations and reject activities that threatened their livelihoods and the environment.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said the success of rCOMSDEP would depend on discipline, accountability and effective implementation, urging stakeholders to translate their commitments into practical action.
He reiterated the government’s commitment under President John Dramani Mahama to managing Ghana’s mineral resources in a manner that creates sustainable economic opportunities without compromising the country’s environmental future.
Meanwhile, the Acting National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP, Sheihu Siddiq, assured the Minister of the programme’s commitment to registering more cooperatives to formally integrate small-scale miners into the country’s mining industry.
He said the initiative was designed to open up opportunities in the mining sector and create jobs, particularly for the youth.
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