Residents rally behind government's responsible mining initiative in Jomoro

Residents of Ghana Nungua and Apatase in the Elubo enclave of the Jomoro Municipality have expressed strong support for the government's planned Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development (rCOMSDEP) programme, describing it as a timely intervention to create jobs and restore degraded lands.

In interviews on Sunday, June 21, 2026, community members said they are optimistic that the programme will address unemployment while promoting environmentally sustainable mining practices in the area.

“We are happy about this programme. We thank President John Dramani Mahama and his government for thinking about us. We cannot wait for the programme to begin. It will transform our communities, and we wholeheartedly welcome it,” some residents of Ghana Nungua told this reporter.

The residents noted that years of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, have destroyed farmlands and polluted water bodies in the enclave, affecting livelihoods.

They believe rCOMSDEP offers a structured alternative that will protect the environment while creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities for young people and women.

“We believe responsible mining should be embraced in every mining community in Ghana,” they added. “This programme will create jobs for our people, and the proceeds from the gold will be used to develop our communities. That is exactly what we need.”

The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, implemented through COMSDEP. It seeks to formalise small-scale mining through cooperatives, provide skills training, ensure environmental compliance, and channel mining revenue into community development projects.

The Jomoro rCOMSDEP scheme will be officially inaugurated on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Ghana Nungua, Apatase, in the Jomoro Municipality.

John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will attend as Special Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries expected at the event include Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources; Joseph Nelson, Western Regional Minister; Dorcas Affo-Toffey, Deputy Minister for Transport; and Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP.

Community leaders said they are mobilising residents to attend the launch and learn more about how to join the cooperative and benefit from the programme’s skills development component.