The National Coordinator of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), Ms. Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, has called for a balanced approach to mineral extraction, stressing that Ghana’s vast mineral wealth should not be exploited at the expense of the environment.
Speaking on the environmental impact of mining activities, Ms. Mawuenyefia noted that Ghana is richly endowed with valuable mineral resources, including gold, manganese, and bauxite, which continue to play a critical role in driving economic growth and national development.
She, however, warned that unsustainable mining practices have increasingly placed pressure on the country’s forests, farmlands, and water bodies, threatening livelihoods and the long-term sustainability of natural resources.
According to her, the challenge is not mining itself but ensuring that mining activities are conducted responsibly, legally, and in a manner that protects the environment while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
Ms. Mawuenyefia highlighted the role of rCOMSDEP in promoting responsible, sustainable, and community-centred mining practices through training, skills development, and stakeholder engagement.
She explained that the programme seeks to build a more structured and accountable small-scale mining sector by equipping miners with the knowledge and tools needed to operate safely and sustainably.
The rCOMSDEP National Coordinator emphasized that protecting the environment and supporting economic progress are not mutually exclusive objectives, noting that responsible mining can contribute significantly to job creation, local development, and national growth when carried out properly.
She reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to advancing mining practices that safeguard Ghana’s natural resources while ensuring that communities continue to benefit from the country’s mineral wealth for generations to come.
