Ghana Boosts Sustainable Mining with New National Skills Programme
The Government of Ghana has officially approved a significant new national initiative, the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), designed to overhaul the country’s small-scale mining sector and foster sustainable employment. According to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, this programme represents a major advancement, building upon the foundations of the previous Community Mining Scheme and the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme to create a more robust and regulated framework for local miners and communities across the nation.
A Dual Strategy for Mining Reform and Job Creation
The core of rCOMSDEP is a multifaceted approach aimed at formalizing and improving small-scale mining operations. The programme will empower locally owned mining cooperatives by providing them with essential training, secure legal concessions, and access to modern, efficient equipment. A key environmental objective is the elimination of hazardous mercury from gold extraction through the establishment of safe, centralised processing centres. Beyond the mines, rCOMSDEP will significantly broaden economic opportunities by offering diverse skills training to women and young people. This includes technical, agricultural, digital, and entrepreneurial education, equipping them for a wider range of careers while also supporting national land restoration efforts.
The launch of rCOMSDEP marks a pivotal step for Ghana in promoting a mining sector that is not only economically viable but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. By combining direct support for safer mining practices with extensive skills development, the government aims to create lasting, dignified jobs and secure a sustainable future for its mining communities, ensuring the benefits of the nation’s natural resources are shared more broadly and responsibly.
Keywords
Related Keywords: responsible mining programme, sustainable mining initiative, mining skills development, government mining policy, Lands Ministry mining, ethical mining regulations, mining workforce training, environmental mining standards, mining sector job creation
