Lands Minister launches cooperative mining scheme in Akyem Kotoku to combat illegal mining

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, in collaboration with the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), has launched a Cooperative Mining Scheme in the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area of the Eastern Region as part of efforts to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices.

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Buah announced a comprehensive package of reforms aimed at tackling illegal mining, protecting the environment and transforming Ghana's mining sector. He said the government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, is committed to ensuring that mining activities are conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The minister expressed concern over the widespread destruction of forest reserves and pollution of water bodies caused by illegal mining activities. He noted that nearly 80 per cent of the country's river systems originate from forest reserves, making the protection of forests essential to safeguarding Ghana's water resources and environmental security.

According to him, the continued contamination of rivers with harmful chemicals used in illegal mining poses significant

health risks and threatens the livelihoods of many communities. He stressed that protecting water bodies remains a national priority and requires the collective support of all stakeholders.

To address the challenge, the government he revealed has adopted a five-pillar strategy focused on stakeholder engagement, public education, regulatory reforms, environmental protection, responsible mining practices and enhanced law enforcement. Public awareness campaigns, he said, will be intensified in schools and communities to educate citizens on the importance of environmental conservation and responsible mining.

As part of the reforms, government is introducing stricter licensing procedures to improve transparency and accountability within the small-scale mining sector. A new District Mining Committee system will be established to review mining applications before licences are granted. The committees will comprise traditional authorities, assembly members and other local stakeholders to ensure mining activities receive community approval and do not threaten forests, farmlands or water bodies.

Hon. Buah also announced plans to create a medium-scale mining category to provide opportunities for Ghanaian entrepreneurs while ensuring proper regulation of mining operations. He encouraged miners to take advantage of legal avenues within the sector instead of engaging in activities that harm the environment and deprive the nation of revenue.

In a major intervention to protect water bodies, he said the government has launched the Blue Water Guard initiative, which will recruit and train thousands of young people, including intelligence and security personnel, to monitor rivers and prevent illegal mining activities. A complementary Blue Water Initiative will focus on restoring degraded ecosystems and cleaning polluted water bodies across the country.

The minister further disclosed that the government has established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to coordinate enforcement activities and strengthen collaboration among security agencies and regulatory institutions in the fight against illegal mining.

Highlighting the importance of community participation, he said cooperative mining schemes would help local miners operate legally while benefiting from training and technical support. Under the programme, participants will receive training from experts from the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on environmentally sustainable mining methods and responsible resource management.

He added that trainees would be awarded certificates upon completion and supported to operate within the framework of the law. He urged miners to embrace the initiative and adopt best practices that protect water bodies, forests and agricultural lands.

Hon. Buah also revealed plans to establish modern gold processing facilities in major mining communities, including Birem North, to improve gold recovery rates and reduce environmental pollution associated with traditional processing methods.

He expressed confidence that the reforms would create jobs, improve livelihoods and contribute to national development while preserving the environment for future generations. He called on traditional authorities and community members to support government's efforts to build a responsible and sustainable mining sector.

The National Coordinator of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), Madam Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, said the Cooperative Mining Scheme forms part of broader efforts to formalise small-scale mining operations, strengthen community participation and create economic opportunities for local communities.

She noted that the initiative represents a significant step towards promoting responsible mining, enhancing skills development and addressing the challenges associated with illegal mining while ensuring that local communities benefit from the country's mineral resources.

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