Ghana Launches Four mining cooperatives to combat illegal mining

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah launched four new Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) schemes in the Western Region of Ghana.

The government established these cooperatives in the towns of Tarkwa and Bogoso to formalize small-scale mining and create jobs for local residents. The initiative aims to move miners away from illegal practices and toward regulated, environmentally responsible operations.

Minister Armah-Kofi Buah stated that the sustainable development of the mining sector requires strict compliance with regulations and a commitment to protecting natural resources. He emphasized that the government views the fight against illegal mining as a national priority that requires cooperation between government institutions, traditional authorities, and mining communities. The Minister warned that economic gains must not come at the cost of the environment.

He noted that illegal mining has caused forest destruction across Ghana equivalent to more than 12,000 football fields. He urged the new cooperatives to follow institutional frameworks to protect water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands. Sheihu Siddiq, the Acting National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP, said the program intends to register more cooperatives to integrate small-scale miners into the formal industry and provide employment for youth.