The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (RCOMSDEP) has expanded its sensitisation campaign to the Builsa North and Talensi Districts of the Upper East Region, reinforcing government’s agenda to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices.
The latest engagements, held in Kadima and Gbani under the Bolgatanga jurisdiction, attracted traditional leaders, local stakeholders, and residents eager to understand the benefits of cooperative mining.
Leading the sessions, Mr. Owusu Benpah Afriyie, Head of the Technical Unit at RCOMSDEP, explained that cooperative mining provides a structured and legal framework that not only safeguards the environment but also ensures that mining benefits are equitably shared within communities. He outlined the processes for forming mining cooperatives, emphasizing inclusivity, transparency, and accountable governance.
Mr. Afriyie further highlighted the role of geological surveys in determining mineral availability before operations begin, stressing that reclamation of mined lands is a non-negotiable requirement. “Reclaimed lands can be repurposed for agriculture and other productive ventures, ensuring long-term community benefits,” he noted.
During the visit, registration documents were officially handed to the Minerals Commission Manager in Bolgatanga to guide interested groups through the legal and administrative processes. Facilitators reminded prospective applicants to first engage District Chief Executives, traditional leaders, and other recognized authorities before initiating applications.
The sensitisation recorded strong community participation, reflecting enthusiasm for the programme’s potential to create jobs and drive local development. Hon. Mahama Dung Daniel, Member of Parliament for Talensi, expressed gratitude to the President and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources for extending the initiative to his constituency. He described the programme as a “transformational step toward responsible resource management, poverty reduction, and economic empowerment.”
The engagement closed with a collective pledge from government officials, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders to work together to make cooperative mining a true vehicle for sustainability, inclusive growth, and prosperity in the Upper East Region.
