Traditional authorities and youth in Ahafo Nkaseim have intensified calls for the immediate commissioning of a long-delayed Cooperative Mining project aimed at promoting responsible small-scale mining and curbing illegal activities in the area.
The initiative, originally slated for launch at the end of February, is yet to be inaugurated, fuelling discontent among residents, particularly the youth who had pinned hopes on its timely rollout.
Addressing a news conference on Monday, March 31, 2026 chiefs and opinion leaders urged government to expedite the final processes to pave the way for full-scale operations.
Speaking for the traditional leadership, Nana Yentumi Boateng, Chief of Mampehia lauded President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah for including Ahafo Nkaseim in the Responsible Cooperative Mining programme.
However, he noted that the continued delay in commissioning the project was worrying and risked eroding public confidence, given the high expectations surrounding the initiative.
He underscored the importance of the project as a strategic intervention to regulate small-scale mining and clamp down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The chiefs revealed that all preliminary requirements, ranging from stakeholder consultations and cooperative registration to site inspections have been duly completed.
Yet, the delay in issuing final operational permits and officially launching the project has stalled progress, deepening frustration among the youth. They cautioned that the situation could push some young people back into illegal mining activities.
According to the leaders, the prolonged hold-up threatens to undermine ongoing efforts to entrench responsible mining practices and could reverse gains made in the fight against galamsey in the area.
They have, therefore, appealed to the President, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Responsible Cooperative Mining Secretariat, and the Minerals Commission to fast-track the remaining processes to ensure the project becomes operational without further delay.
The chiefs also expressed appreciation to key stakeholders, including the Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, Collins Dauda; the Nkaseim chief, Nana Danso Agyei; Ahafo Regional Minister, Mrs Charity Gardiner and the Council of State representative for their continued support and engagement.
