Government has intensified efforts to formalise small-scale mining across the country, as part of a broader strategy to curb illegal mining while promoting safer and more productive practices within local communities.
The National Coordinator of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), Ama Mawusi Mawuenyafia, says the initiative is designed to engage directly with miners in mineral-rich areas and integrate them into a regulated system.
She emphasized that government’s position is not to eliminate mining, but to ensure it is carried out legally and sustainably.
“Government is not against mining,” she stated, adding that authorities are prepared to work with individuals in local communities who are willing to operate within the law.
According to her, the programme has already completed a pilot phase in the Western and Western North regions, where key lessons were gathered to improve implementation. With those insights, the initiative is now being rolled out nationwide, targeting all mineralised regions.
Mrs. Mawuenyafia explained that the core objective is to transition miners from illegal operations into a formal system that offers better outcomes in terms of productivity, safety, and value.
“What the measure of success will be for us is that we are able to formalise the system and move people away from the illegalities,” she said.
She noted that the programme seeks to demonstrate clear benefits to miners, including improved health conditions, increased output, and better market value for their gold.
At the same time, she indicated that enforcement measures remain in place for those who refuse to comply with the formalisation process, stressing that non-cooperative individuals would be handled by relevant authorities.
The nationwide rollout forms part of ongoing efforts by government to address the persistent challenge of illegal mining, while preserving livelihoods and promoting responsible resource extraction.
