Government launches mining programme in Ahanta West and Mpohor Fiase
The government has launched a programme to formalise small-scale mining in Ahanta West and Mpohor Fiase in the Western Region. Operators have been urged to reserve part of their earnings for land reclamation and ensure host communities benefit.
myjoyonline.comGovernment launches rCOMSDEP to promote responsible mining in Western Region
3news.comGov't launches rCOMSDEP in Ahanta West and Mpohor Fiase
Formalising small-scale mining
The government has launched the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in Ahanta West and Mpohor Fiase to formalise small-scale mining and strengthen environmental protection. The launch took place at Awunakrom in the Western Region.
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Yusif Sulemana said the programme would give small-scale miners a legitimate, organised framework for operating responsibly. At the ceremony, he presented registration certificates and operational permits to Charles Ahiati, promoter of the Ahanta West and Mpohor-Fiase Responsible Cooperative Mines.
Money for land restoration
Sulemana urged participating cooperatives to set aside part of their earnings to restore mined-out land, saying reclamation was part of the programme’s policy guidelines. He said the ministry would monitor production volumes to determine how much operators should reserve and link them with the Forestry Commission for seedlings and planting materials.
He also called for modern mineral-processing technologies to reduce reliance on mercury and cyanide, saying these could improve gold recovery while limiting damage to rivers, farmlands and other natural resources.
Regulation and community benefits
Sulemana said the government was working with the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency to register and certify mining groups and cooperatives. The ministry has set a target of registering at least 50 certified Responsible Cooperative Mines by the end of 2026.
He urged cooperatives to employ residents of their host communities, respect traditional authorities and landowners, and share mining benefits locally. Acting programme coordinator Sheihu Sidiqq called on participants to meet concession requirements and comply with regulatory, safety and environmental obligations.
