Yusif Sulemana launches rCOMSDEP mining programme in Western Region

The Ministry for Lands and Natural Resources has officially launched the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in the Western Region. Deputy Minister Alhaji Dr. Yusif Sulemana introduced the initiative in the Ahanta West and Mpohor-Fiase areas, describing it as a vital framework to formalise small-scale mining. The programme is designed to ensure that local communities benefit directly from mineral resources while adhering to strict environmental and operational standards.

During the launch, Dr. Sulemana urged cooperative operators to adopt professional environmental practices similar to those of large-scale mining companies. He specifically called on miners to allocate a portion of their earnings for land reclamation and the restoration of degraded sites. To formalise these operations, the Deputy Minister presented operational permits to the cooperatives' promoters, mandating that they reserve funds specifically for environmental restoration to mitigate the damage caused by extraction.

The initiative forms part of a broader government strategy to register 50 certified Responsible Cooperative Mines across the country by the end of 2026. By bringing small-scale mining into a legitimate, regulated framework, rCOMSDEP aims to curb the influence of external unregulated miners and create sustainable jobs for local residents. Dr. Sulemana emphasized that collaboration between miners, local authorities, and the Ministry will be essential to transforming the sector into a driver of regional development and environmental sustainability.