As part of the government’s commitment to address the menace of illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has launched the Eastern Region’s first Responsible Cooperative Mining.
The initiative was launched at New Abirem in the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area on Monday. The launch was graced with the attendance of the community folks, leaders of the traditional council, opinion leaders, partners, and government officials.
Dubbed the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (RCOMSDEP), it is a national initiative that empowers mining cooperatives and small-scale miners through training, innovation, and responsible practices.
RCOMSDEP promotes sustainable mining, builds community resilience, and creates opportunities for growth by combining skills development with cooperative support. The initiative is in line with the Ghana Chamber of Mines’ firm belief that formalization is the surest bet to address the menace of illegal mining.
Speaking at the event, the Omanhene of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area, Oseadeayo Nana Dr. Frimpong Manso IV, recounted that the gold business has been an integral part of Akan history, even throughout their migration. The forefathers of the Akans were engaged in the gold trade, and that trade has been passed down throughout generations.
However, the current practices in the mining are endangering human health, destroying water bodies, and contaminating food and farmlands.
Nana Dr. Frimpong Manso IV therefore commended the government for such an initiative which seeks to sanitize the system by introducing responsible and sustainable gold mining methods. He therefore urged all his subjects to fully embrace the initiative and subject themselves to the training and certification so that while they earn their living through mining, the environment, human lives, etc do not pay the price.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Birim North, Abdul Hakeem Antwi, on his part, acknowledged both the positive and side effects of gold mining. He recounted how mining has been the pillar of many homes in Birim North. Aside from putting food on the table, the DCE acknowledged that many homes were built through gold mining and many were educated through earnings from gold.
Despite these refreshing benefits, he bemoaned the dangers of illegal mining. He was also quick to add how mining benefits are disproportionately distributed, leaving some residents in Birim North disadvantaged.
“Birim North is not a stranger to gold. Gold has built our homes, paid our school fees, and carried many families through difficult seasons. But gold has also taught us hard lessons. When mining forgets the people, the land cries. The river turns against us, and the future grows dim,” he noted.
He therefore welcomed the initiative, which he believes promises to be the game-changer in curing the ills of galamsey and evenly distributing the benefits of mining.
He said, “Today, I am delighted we are choosing a different path. We are declaring progress and preservation.”
Addressing the gathering, the National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, explained that the core objective of the initiative is a commitment to responsible, sustainable, and community-centred mining.
She indicated that while the scheme is tailored to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly small-scale mining practices, it is also designed to create economic opportunities for local people. She emphasized that the initiative will not leave anyone behind since it was designed to help the local people. She further expressed appreciation to all partners, investors, and stakeholders who are working tirelessly to ensure that the program benefits the people.
She told the gathering that “this is a good opportunity. Let’s embrace it so that we can undertake responsible and sustainable mining to uplift the image of Ghana.”
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, who also represented the President, admitted that illegal mining and its accompanying effects are one of the major challenges of the Mahama-led government. He said the blessings from God, in the form of gold, are turning against us.
He recounted how the country’s forest reserves, waterbodies, and vegetation cover have come under attack as significant portions of these endowments have been completely destroyed.
“The report we have received is that if we don’t stop the illegal mining of gold, the health of our unborn children will be jeopardized with sickness. This is because poisonous chemicals have contaminated our waterbodies. All the major rivers in the country have turned brown,” he cautioned.
He expressed the fear that if no drastic actions are taken, the menace will threaten the existence of all Ghanaians. He agreed with the Omanhene that indeed Ghanaians have a long history with gold mining and therefore cannot fathom why the country should bring in expatriates to mine its resources sustainably.
The minister emphasized that the minerals belong to Ghanaians; however, he was quick to add that whoever decides to undertake the mining business must do so sustainably and responsibly.
He therefore touted the RCOMSDEP initiative as a key reform in the mining sector to provide job opportunities for the youth in the local areas while ensuring environmentally sustainable mining. Beneficiaries of the initiative undergo mandatory training from the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on responsible mining practices.
The Minister assured the residents that all residents interested in doing the gold mining business receive the mandatory training and certification and will go about their business freely without any intimidation.
It is expected that the initiative will be launched in various parts of the country where the illegal mining menace is prevalent in an attempt to curb the situation. As to the effectiveness of the initiative, only time will tell.
