The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has launched the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme in Bibiani, Western North Region, as part of efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Armah Kofi Buah, said the initiative will provide training and licensing opportunities for artisanal and small-scale miners to help them adopt environmentally friendly practices.
He announced plans to establish a Mobile Mining Licensing Unit in Bibiani to streamline the licensing process and educate miners on sustainable methods that will protect water bodies and preserve natural resources.
“This programme is about equipping small-scale miners with the right knowledge and tools, so that they mine responsibly while also safeguarding the environment for future generations,” the minister stressed.
For his part, Adu Gyamfi, Chairman of the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Small-Scale Miners Association, urged miners to take advantage of the programme to secure proper licenses, noting that this would protect their livelihoods and ensure compliance with national regulations.
The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme forms part of government’s broader strategy to formalize small-scale mining and tackle the menace of galamsey.
Source: Augustine Boah