The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has described cooperative mining as Ghana’s most viable pathway to responsible small-scale mining, insisting that the country’s mineral wealth must be harnessed in a manner that creates jobs while protecting the environment.
Speaking at the launch of the Akyem Kotoku Cooperative Mining Scheme in the Birim North District, the Minister said the initiative forms part of government’s efforts to replace illegal and destructive mining practices with structured, community-driven, and environmentally responsible mining operations.
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah expressed concern over the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s natural resources, noting that several forest reserves have been degraded while major rivers and water bodies have suffered significant pollution from the indiscriminate use of harmful chemicals.
He stressed that the country could no longer afford to pursue economic gains at the expense of its environmental heritage.
“The natural resources belong to Ghanaians. It is incumbent on us to employ mining methods that do not pose a threat to our environment,” he stated.
The Minister indicated that the cooperative mining model is designed to ensure that local communities become direct beneficiaries of the country’s mineral resources while operating within approved legal and environmental standards.
As part of the initiative, he announced that young people in Birim North would be trained and certified to engage in responsible mining, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to operate safely, sustainably, and in compliance with regulations.
He further assured residents that the programme would be inclusive, emphasizing that no youth in the district would be left behind as government works to expand opportunities within the small-scale mining sector.
According to him, the success of the cooperative mining scheme will not only create employment and improve livelihoods but also help restore public confidence in the sector by demonstrating that mining can be undertaken responsibly without destroying forests, farmlands, and water resources.
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah maintained that the future of Ghana’s mining industry lies in balancing economic development with environmental protection, adding that cooperative mining provides a practical framework for achieving both objectives.
The Akyem Kotoku Cooperative Mining Scheme is expected to serve as a model for responsible small-scale mining, supporting government’s efforts to formalise the sector, empower local communities, and promote sustainable resource management across the country.
