Two Responsible Cooperative Mining Societies have been inaugurated in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality to promote sustainable small-scale mining.
The societies, Taano Yaa and Akon Cooperative Mining, will help formalise mining activities, strengthen local participation and improve environmental management.
The initiative seeks to organise small-scale miners into recognised cooperative groups. It will also encourage members to comply with mining laws and adopt safer, environmentally responsible practices.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah commended the MP and the Municipal Chief Executive for supporting responsible mining in the municipality.
He said the government would transform the small-scale mining sector through better organisation, regulation and accountability.
He stressed that protecting the country’s natural resources required collective effort. He urged citizens to take responsibility for safeguarding the environment instead of leaving the task solely to security agencies.
The Minister assured cooperative mining groups of government support if they increased gold production, complied with mining regulations and adopted responsible practices.
He said the cooperatives could also benefit from modernised mineral processing facilities to improve their operations.
Mr Buah called for a change in public perception of small-scale mining. He said the sector should not always be associated with environmental destruction.
He expressed confidence that proper regulation and discipline could make small-scale mining a major contributor to national development.
He also urged members to prioritise occupational safety. He cautioned them against practices that could endanger workers and surrounding communities.
MP highlights economic opportunities in cooperative mining
The Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Hon. Issah Taylor, highlighted mining’s contribution to the Western Region’s economy.
He said the sector had created jobs, supported businesses and provided livelihoods for many residents.
However, he acknowledged the challenges facing small-scale mining. These include illegal operations, environmental degradation, unsafe working conditions and weak regulation.
He described the cooperative mining model as an opportunity to address these challenges.
He identified four key principles that should guide the societies: organisation, professionalism, responsibility and accountability.
According to him, cooperative structures would allow miners to pool resources and access technical support. They would also help members adopt improved mining practices and build stronger relationships with regulatory institutions.
Hon. Taylor stressed that the success of the initiative should go beyond gold production.
He said the cooperatives must also protect workers, safeguard the environment and promote responsible land use.
He encouraged members to maintain good relationships with host communities, traditional authorities, landowners and other stakeholders.
He also called for fair opportunities for qualified residents to participate in mining operations and related businesses.
The MP noted that mining offered opportunities beyond mineral extraction. These include equipment maintenance, transportation, engineering, catering, logistics and the supply of goods and services.
He urged the cooperatives to equip young people with technical and environmental skills. This, he said, would prepare them to participate in the wider mining value chain.
Cooperatives Department outlines expectations
The Regional Director of the Department of Cooperatives, Akwasi Adjei Bawuah, described the inauguration as a historic step towards formalising small-scale mining.
He said the initiative would help protect livelihoods and improve the management of the sector.
Mr Bawuah noted that the societies offered an opportunity to change the public perception of small-scale mining. He said miners could operate legally, generate income and protect the environment.
He outlined three key principles to guide the societies. These are legal and formal mining, responsibility towards people and the environment, and accountability to members and host communities.
He urged members to work closely with the Minerals Commission. He also reminded them to obtain the necessary licences, operate within approved concessions and comply with mining regulations.
On environmental protection, Mr Bawuah warned against unsafe mining practices and the improper use of mercury.
He stressed the need to reclaim mined lands, plant trees and restore degraded areas.
He also urged the cooperative leadership to promote unity, discipline, transparency and accountability.
He advised members to respect their cooperative bylaws and maintain proper financial records. He further encouraged fair sharing of proceeds and collective decision-making.
The Regional Director assured the societies of the Cooperatives Department’s support.
He said the department would train members in cooperative management, bookkeeping and conflict resolution.
However, he reminded them that the success of the societies would depend on their commitment and willingness to work together.
Source: myinfotoay.com/Tarkwa/Barbara Essien
