Gov't's implementation of Responsible Cooperative Mining Scheme lagging — Africa Policy Lens
The Africa Policy Lens (APL) has raised concerns over what it describes as the slow implementation of the government's Responsible Cooperative Mining Scheme.
The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) is a national initiative designed to reform artisanal mining (ASM) by replacing unregulated practices, popularly known as galamsey, with structured, community-owned cooperatives.
It provides miners with legal concessions, modern mercury-free processing technology, and environmental land rehabilitation.
However, in a position paper issued on Monday, June 8, the policy think tank said a response to its right to information request from the Lands Ministry revealed that only one project under the initiative is currently being developed nationwide despite public expectations that more schemes would have been established.
"The Africa Policy Lens' (APL) position is that the Government's implementation of the Responsible Cooperative Mining Scheme is lagging behind the challenge posed by illegal mining across the country and requires stronger commitment and support," the group said in part of the statement.
APL noted that the only site currently under development is the Anwia-Teleku Bukazo project in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.
It revealed that major mining firms, including Newmont Ghana, AngloGold Ashanti, Perseus Mining, Adamus Resources and Heath Goldfields, have relinquished portions of their concessions to support cooperative mining initiatives.
However, APL stressed that no gold production has commenced under the Responsible Cooperative Mining Schemes despite the publicity surrounding the programme.
"Commit adequate financial and technical resources towards the effective implementation of the Responsible Cooperative Mining Schemes, as the Secretariat laments the lack of funds," APL recommended.
The organisation further urged the government to operationalise more Responsible Cooperative Mining Schemes as an alternative livelihood pathway for illegal miners and make effective use of lands ceded by large-scale mining companies.