The Government of Ghana has approved the implementation of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) to reform artisanal and small-scale mining while creating sustainable employment opportunities.
The initiative, spearheaded by President John Dramani Mahama, will consolidate the existing Community Mining Scheme (CMS) and the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) into a unified framework.
According to a press release dated August 4, 2025, from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, rCOMSDEP will promote the formation of legally registered, locally owned mining cooperatives. These cooperatives will be supported with professional training, legal concessions, and access to modern, mercury-free processing facilities.
The programme’s key objectives include:
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Promoting environmentally responsible cooperative mining
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Reclaiming degraded lands for agriculture and forestry
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Providing vocational, technical, and entrepreneurial skills for youth and women
rCOMSDEP is structured around six pillars: cooperative mining, mine support services, vocational training, environmental rehabilitation, agricultural value chain development, and community infrastructure improvements.
The Ministry called on traditional leaders, civil society groups, youth, and private sector actors to rally behind the initiative, which is expected to transform mining communities, create decent jobs, and protect the environment.
Source: Adomonline.com
Source: AdomOnline
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