The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has engaged the chiefs and people of Nkaseim in the Ahafo Region on the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (COMSDEP), aimed at curbing illegal mining.
During the sensitization exercise and inspection of mining sites, the Deputy National Coordinator in charge of Operations, George Dadzi Junior, noted that Nkaseim has become a hotspot for illegal mining due to the lack of valid permits and encroachment on Newmont Gold Ghana’s concession.
He disclosed that the Ministry is in discussions with Newmont to release unused portions of its concession to the community for responsible mining.
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, Nana Yaw Sarpong, Sompahene of Nkaseim, said residents have sought legal documentation for mining since 2007 but successive governments denied their requests.
He expressed gratitude to government for responding positively to their appeal for COMSDEP.
Nana Sarpong added that the youth, driven by unemployment and the availability of gold deposits, have turned to illegal mining but without destroying water bodies and forests.
He assured that the community is fully committed to adopting responsible mining practices to eliminate the illegalities associated with the activity.
Source: Sammy Asare
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