By Valentia Tetteh
The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has begun a series of community outreach engagements in mining communities across the Savannah Region to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices.
As part of the initiative, a stakeholder meeting was held in the forecourt of the Tuntumbawura’s Palace, bringing together participants from Camp, Cluff, and Tinga. A total of eight representatives took part in the discussions: three from Camp, one from Tinga, and four from Tuntumba.
The meeting focused on sensitising miners on the benefits of joining the cooperative mining scheme while creating a platform for them to share their concerns. A major issue raised by the communities was the presence of a large-scale mining company whose licence covers nearly the entire area. Residents expressed frustration that, since acquiring the concession in 2016, the company has not delivered any visible development or benefits to the local people. They explained that this situation has discouraged many of them from applying for legal permits for their small-scale mining operations.
Responding to the concerns, the Chief Executive Officer of rCOMSDEP, Frank Asare, urged the miners to take the legal permit application process seriously. He stressed that obtaining a licence is critical in curbing illegal mining activities and reducing the environmental damage associated with unregulated practices.
“Licensing is not just a formality; it is the first step towards protecting your communities, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring that mining brings tangible benefits to the people,” Mr Asare emphasised.
In addition to the Tuntumba meeting, the rCOMSDEP team extended its sensitisation campaign to Dakurpe, reaffirming its commitment to promoting responsible mining and alternative livelihoods across the Savannah Region.
The outreach forms part of rCOMSDEP’s broader mission to transform artisanal and small-scale mining through cooperative structures, skills development, and environmentally responsible practices.
