The Government has launched four Responsible Cooperative Mining Societies in the Tarkwa and Prestea Huni-Valley areas of the Western Region under the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
The launches took place in Tarkwa and Bogoso as part of efforts to provide mining communities with a regulated and lawful pathway to participate in small-scale mining while protecting the environment.
In Tarkwa, the Tanoyaa Responsible Cooperative Mining Society Limited and the Akoon Responsible Cooperative Mining Society Limited were officially launched.
Later in the day at Bogoso, in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality, the Samahu Tasks-ES Cooperative Mining Society Limited and the Bogum and Alignment Responsible Cooperative Mining Society Limited were also launched.
The initiative is intended to promote responsible mining practices and provide communities with opportunities to engage in mining activities within the framework of the law.
It also seeks to protect rivers, forests and farmlands from the environmental destruction associated with illegal mining activities.
The government has described rCOMSDEP as a credible route towards economic opportunities for mining communities, while ensuring that mining activities are conducted responsibly and in accordance with established regulations.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Amarh Kofi-Buah, on his part expressed appreciation to traditional authorities, Members of Parliament for the areas, Municipal Chief Executives and institutions whose support contributed to the successful launch of the societies.
Those acknowledged included MPs, Issah Taylor and Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, as well as MCEs Ebenezer Cobbinah and Dr Matthew Kofi Ayeh.
The rCOMSDEP team, Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), security services and other stakeholders were also recognised for their contributions.
