GoldBod wins support for cooperative mining programme in Ashanti Region

Some communities in the Amansie Central and Adansi North districts of the Ashanti Region have thrown their support behind the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) over an ongoing geological survey aimed at identifying mineralised zones for responsible cooperative and community mining.

The support follows a major intervention by GoldBod to fund geological survey activities being undertaken by the GGSA as part of efforts to support small-scale mining, create jobs, and promote responsible mineral development in mining communities.

The initiative forms part of GoldBod’s broader mandate to reinvest up to 30 per cent of its surplus into supporting mining operations, particularly within the licensed artisanal and small-scale mining sector from which it purchases the bulk of Ghana’s gold.

Beyond financing the survey, GoldBod is expected to provide mining equipment, technical support, and guaranteed market access to ensure that mining activities are carried out responsibly and sustainably.

At a stakeholder engagement with assembly members from the affected communities, local leaders expressed strong commitment to collaborating on the project, describing the intervention as timely and transformative.

According to the assembly members, previous attempts by some communities to secure support from private mining companies yielded little results, making the GoldBod-backed initiative a source of renewed hope for residents.

They noted that GoldBod’s decision to support cooperative and community mining demonstrated a practical commitment to empowering local miners while ensuring responsible mining practices.

The assembly members further pledged their full cooperation toward the success of the project, stressing that structured cooperative mining supported by state institutions had long been a major aspiration for the area.

The GoldBod and GGSA delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Biribiwomanmu, Nana Kusi Frimpong Kotobiri II, who welcomed the initiative and praised the decision to consider his area for responsible cooperative mining activities.

The chief recounted how previous community-led mining investments resulted in significant financial losses due to the absence of adequate technical and institutional support.

He expressed confidence that the intervention by GoldBod would create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and provide renewed opportunities for the youth in the area.

Following the engagement with traditional authorities, the delegation met the Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, to brief him on the readiness of the people of Adomanu, Abedwum, Odumase, Akrukeri, Achiase, and Biribiwomanmu to participate in the initiative.

The Regional Minister commended GoldBod and the GGSA for championing responsible mining development in the region and emphasised the importance of integrating land reclamation and corporate social responsibility into the project.

He stated that initiatives combining youth employment, responsible mining, and the provision of social amenities strongly align with the development vision of the government, adding that cooperative mining remains a key priority under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.

GoldBod has consistently maintained that supporting cooperative and community mining aligns with its broader strategy to formalise the small-scale mining sector, improve livelihoods, and strengthen responsible gold production across the country.

The institution believes that by combining geological data, technical assistance, and structured market access, mining communities can transition from informal and risky operations into sustainable and economically viable ventures.