The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), operating under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has launched a community outreach initiative to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices in the Savannah Region.
Stakeholder Engagement in Tuntumba
The campaign began with a stakeholder forum at the forecourt of the Tuntumbawura’s Palace, bringing together participants from Camp, Cruff, and Tuntumba communities. The session focused on the cooperative mining scheme, the benefits of acquiring legal permits, and the need to combat illegal mining.
Community members raised concerns about a large-scale mining company that has held a concession since 2016 without contributing to local development. Many argued that this has discouraged small-scale miners from pursuing legal permits.
In response, rCOMSDEP National Coordinator, *Ing. Frank Asare Pedro*, encouraged miners to take the licensing process seriously. He explained that obtaining legal permits is crucial in the fight against illegal mining and in ensuring mining contributes positively to community development.
Engagement with Artisanal Miners in Dakrupe
The outreach continued in Dakrupe, where rCOMSDEP met with leaders of the Association of Artisanal Miners. Discussions highlighted ways to support miners in transitioning into responsible and formalized mining operations. The miners, while pledging to collaborate with rCOMSDEP, appealed for equipment such as pumping machines to enhance their work.
Driving Government’s Vision for Mining
Through these engagements, rCOMSDEP is reaffirming government’s vision of building a responsible, inclusive, and sustainable mining sector that protects the environment while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
The initiative represents a step toward ensuring that mining in Ghana becomes a driver of development rather than environmental degradation.
Story by Eugene Kwasi Nyarko
