Ghana Cabinet Approves New Mining Programme to Create Sustainable Jobs and Restore Environment

• The Cabinet of Ghana has approved the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources' proposal to begin the rCOMSDEP initiative
• This new initiative aims to create sustainable jobs through responsible cooperative mining, and enhance operational efficiency
• The programme will focus on vocational training, land restoration, and support for local communities, with six interconnected pillars

The Cabinet of the Government of Ghana has approved the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources' proposal to implement and transition the Community Mining Scheme (CMS), and the Alternative Employment and Live Programme (NAELP) into Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skill Development (rCOMSDEP).

This was disclosed in a press statement released by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Monday, August 4, 2025.

The approval of the rCOMSDEP initiative, according to the press statement, is in line with the vision of President John Mahama to create sustainable jobs through responsible cooperative mining.

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According to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the new initiative will serve Ghana's flagship programme for reforming artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) by synthesising lessons from CMS NAELP, while addressing their shortcomings through improved coordinated implementation, and efficient resource utilisation.

"This integrated approach will not only enhance operational efficiency and gold recovery rates but also systematically eliminate the use of harmful mercury through centralised, regulated processing centres. A cornerstone of the programme is its emphasis on skills development, which will not only support mining enterprises but also diversify options for local populations," portions of the statement read.

Read the full statement from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources below:

Objectives of the rCOMSDEP programme

The statement from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources further stated that the rCOMSDEP programme was designed to achieve three critical objectives.

Below are the objectives:

• Promote and regulate environmentally responsible cooperative mining.
• Restore lands degraded by illegal mining for productive use in agriculture, forestry, and other income-generating activities.
• Provide vocational, technical, agricultural, digital, and entrepreneurial training to youth and women, equipping them with relevant skills for alternative employment and self-employment.

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Again, according to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the programme is structured around six interconnected pillars listed below:

• Cooperative Mining Scheme.
• Mine Support Services.
• Vocational Training and Entrepreneurial Development.
• Environmental Rehabilitation Programme.
• Agricultural Value Chain Development.
• Community Infrastructure Development.

"As Ghana embarks on the transformative journey, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources urges all stakeholders, including traditional authorities, youth groups, civil society, and private sector players to actively participate in the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme. Together, we can reshape the future of artisanal and small-scale mining, restore our environment, and create new opportunities for inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods," the statement further added.

Chairman of small scale miners arrested

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Kojo Peprah, chairman of the Small Scale Miners Association, was arrested by the police task force on galamsey.

He was allegedly interfering with the arrest of illegal miners in the Desiri Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.

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Authorities said the operation was part of efforts to clamp down on illegal mining across Ghana.

Source: YEN.com.gh