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The Ahafo Ano South West District has joined the Government of Ghana’s nationwide registration of small-scale miners under the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme, rCOMSDEP.
The exercise, which began this week, is designed to transition informal and artisanal miners into legally recognised cooperatives, promote responsible mining practices, and improve livelihoods while tackling illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Four-Phase Registration Process
According to officials, the registration follows a four-phase workflow that involves capturing member details, verifying documentation, and assessing mining sites for technical and environmental viability.
Cooperatives that meet the requirements will be issued a six-month Temporary Operating Permit to commence operations. This will allow them to mine legally while their full five-year renewable licences are being processed.
Registered groups will also receive technical support and structured training on responsible mining practices, environmental management, and occupational safety.
The Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly today welcomed officials from the rCOMSDEP Secretariat as part of the rollout. The team is engaging miners, traditional authorities, and community stakeholders to ensure broad participation in the exercise.
District officials described the initiative as a critical step toward formalising and regulating small-scale mining activities in the area. The programme also seeks to provide skills development opportunities for miners to enhance productivity and income security.
“This exercise marks a significant step towards ensuring sustainable mining, environmental protection, and improved economic outcomes for local communities,” the Assembly stated.
rCOMSDEP forms part of government’s broader strategy to reform the small-scale mining sector. By organising miners into cooperatives, the programme aims to improve oversight, reduce environmental degradation, and channel support services more effectively.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has indicated that formalisation will enable miners to access finance, equipment, and technical guidance, while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards.
The Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the initiative and collaborating with all stakeholders to achieve its objectives.
Officials urged eligible miners in the district to take advantage of the registration window to regularise their operations and benefit from the training and support packages under rCOMSDEP.
The nationwide registration is expected to continue across other mining districts in the coming weeks as government accelerates efforts to build a responsible, sustainable, and economically viable small-scale mining sector.
