The Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Area, His Royal Majesty Awulae Kwasi Amakye III, has expressed support for government efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, while calling for strict safeguards to ensure responsible resource extraction.
The endorsement came during a presentation of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), an initiative under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources aimed at formalising small-scale mining, creating jobs, and reducing environmental degradation associated with illegal mining activities.
At a meeting held at the chief’s palace, the National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP, Ms. Mawusi Ama Mawuenyafia, outlined the objectives of the programme, describing it as an upgraded framework to replace aspects of the previous community mining model.
She explained that the programme places emphasis on skills development, employment creation, and structured agreements between mining investors and host communities.
According to her, traditional authorities are expected to play a central role in defining community priorities and setting operational expectations for mining activities within their jurisdictions.
“These agreements are officially documented, witnessed, and approved by rCOMSDEP before the Minister grants a mining lease,” she said, adding that the process is designed to improve transparency and accountability in the sector.
While welcoming the initiative, Awulae Kwasi Amakye III urged caution in its implementation, stressing that mining must not be allowed to compromise the long-term interests of local communities.
He noted that much of the mineral-rich land within his jurisdiction remains undeveloped, but insisted that any future mining activities must be governed by strict environmental and regulatory standards.
“I am not against mining, but until the right framework is in place, we will not permit mining here,” the Paramount Chief said. “My position has always been that we cannot trade our future for present needs if it is done irresponsibly.”
The chief further warned against the misuse of the programme as a cover for illegal or unsustainable mining practices, calling for vigilance in its rollout.
In response, Ms. Mawuenyafia assured the traditional authority that rCOMSDEP, in collaboration with the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS), would intensify efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities.
She emphasized that the programme is designed to promote responsible mining practices that benefit local communities while protecting the environment and ensuring compliance with national regulations.
