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The government has launched the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (RCOMSDEP) to address longstanding challenges associated with community mining and curb the destructive impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking on Channel 247 Newzroom in an interview with host Awuraabena Boateng, the Communication Director of RCOMSDEP, Mr John Afful, explained that the new programme was introduced to correct the shortcomings of previous community mining initiatives which, according to him, failed to benefit host communities.
Mr Afful noted that before RCOMSDEP, successive initiatives such as Community Mining and the National Alternative Livelihood Employment Programme were introduced with the aim of empowering local communities. However, he argued that poor execution, greed and selfish interests undermined their original vision, leaving communities worse off.
He stated that under RCOMSDEP, the government has adopted a more structured and accountable approach, ensuring that mining activities are community-owned, well-regulated and environmentally responsible. As part of the programme’s rollout, two mining cooperatives have already been launched in the Western Region.
According to him, beneficiaries of the programme must go through rigorous processes before permits are granted. These include training by the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), geological assessments, prospecting and reconnaissance, as well as the establishment of safety and first-aid facilities at mining sites.
Mr Afful contrasted this approach with earlier community mining models where individuals benefitted at the expense of the community, often abandoning mined lands without reclamation. He said this practice significantly contributed to widespread land degradation and forest destruction.
He further disclosed that government intervention through RCOMSDEP has helped prevent the destruction of about 55,000 hectares of forest land, stressing that without decisive action, the environmental impact would have been far more severe. Mr Afful reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that mining benefits communities while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
