The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has handed over the first Mining Operating Permit under the government’s Responsible Co-operative Mining initiative to the Anwia-Teleku-Bokazo Responsible Co-operative Mining Society Limited in the Ellembele District.
The symbolic ceremony, held at Anwia, marked the official rollout of the flagship programme aimed at promoting environmentally responsible and community-based mining practices.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said the permit was clear evidence of the government’s commitment to reforming the mining sector through regulation, training, and the deployment of modern technology to curb environmental degradation.
“The NDC government is not against mining. President John Dramani Mahama is not against mining, but he is against irresponsible and disruptive mining that destroys our water bodies and forests and kills us,” he said.
He explained that the Responsible Co-operative Mining initiative seeks to organise miners into structured cooperatives, supported with training and modern equipment, to ensure mining activities are conducted sustainably.
“We are not simply launching it; we will use technology so that instead of destroying our water bodies, we will help you retrieve 90 per cent of the gold, instead of the 40 per cent that led to destruction,” the Minister stated.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah added that several mining communities across the country had already been identified and would soon benefit from the initiative as part of broader efforts to transform small-scale mining into a regulated, productive, and environmentally safe sector.
He noted that the programme aligns with President Mahama’s vision of balancing economic livelihoods with environmental protection, while ensuring that mining contributes meaningfully to local development and national growth.
The Chief Executive Officer of rCOMSDEP, Ing. Frank Asare Pedro, Esq., urged members of the cooperatives to remain law-abiding and adhere strictly to responsible mining practices.
He added that rCOMSDEP would work closely with regulatory agencies to ensure that cooperatives fully implement the mining practices they have been trained to adopt.
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, also expressed concern over the wanton destruction of water bodies and forest reserves caused by illegal mining activities.
He cautioned illegal miners to desist from destructive practices and enrol under the Responsible Co-operative Mining initiative, warning that the law would soon catch up with those who refuse to comply.
Source: myxyzonline.com
