Accra, March 15, – The Secretariat of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), in partnership with the Minerals Commission, has commenced a nationwide registration exercise for small-scale miners.
The initiative, which is being piloted in the Western and Western North Regions, is aimed at formalising the artisanal mining sector and promoting accountability as well as environmentally responsible practices.
A statement issued by the rCOMSDEP Secretariat and copied to the Ghana News Agency said the exercise was intended to formalise mining groups into recognised cooperatives, ensure adherence to regulatory standards, and align their activities with national mining laws.
It said part of the process would involve geological assessments of selected mining sites to determine their mineral potential and economic viability, ensuring that cooperatives operate on sustainable concessions.
The statement noted that the exercise would allow the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to carry out field inspections and technical evaluations.
It explained that these processes would pave the way for the issuance of operating permits, including environmental clearances and mining licences.
According to the statement, the registration would follow a structured four-phase approach to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Field teams would first capture data on cooperative members, including national identification and contact details. This would be followed by geological validation and terrain stability checks by technical experts, as well as environmental risk assessments focusing on water usage, waste management and ore processing methods.
After these stages, documentation would be reviewed by rCOMSDEP and the Minerals Commission, after which qualified cooperatives would be issued a six-month Temporary Operating Permit to begin operations under supervision while working towards full licensing.
The statement added that registered groups would receive ongoing technical support and monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental standards and operational best practices in line with the Cabinet-approved rCOMSDEP policy framework.
It said the exercise would also help government to build a credible database of miners and cooperatives, enabling the purchase of gold through traceable and legitimate channels.
The Secretariat emphasised the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including traditional authorities and local government officials, to ensure the success of the programme.
It urged small-scale miners and artisanal groups to cooperate fully with officials and provide the necessary documentation to facilitate the process.
The statement described the initiative as an opportunity for miners to enter the formal economy, gain legal recognition and contribute to the sustainable growth of the mining sector.
GHBUSS
15 March 2026
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