Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Ghana's Lands and Natural Resources Minister, has officially handed over mining operating permits to the Anwia and Teleku-Bokazo Responsible Cooperative Mining Society Ltd in the Ellembelle District of the Western region.
This marks the official rollout of the Responsible Co operative Mining and Skills Development Programme in the mining communities in Ghana.
The two communities, whose residents are largely engaged in farming and small-scale mining, are the first beneficiaries of the programme.
With the permits, the cooperative has been granted access to mine at an abandoned concession relinquished by Adamus Mining Limited to the Government of Ghana believed to contain significant mineral deposits.
The development follows series of negotiations led by the Minister with Adamus Mining Limited to release the site for community-based mining.
Speaking at the official handing-over ceremony on Sunday, December 21, 2025, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, stated that the initiative was a key intervention designed to eliminate harmful mining practices, particularly the use of mercury, which poses serious environmental and health risks.
He explained that miners operating under the initiative would undergo comprehensive training in responsible and sustainable mining methods.
In addition, the cooperatives would be supported with modern processing technologies and water treatment systems to significantly reduce pollution and environmental degradation.
"The cooperatives will be guided by strict rules and regulations", he said.
He emphasised that, "One of the major challenges miners face is access to water for processing. Under this initiative, we are introducing modern technologies that allow miners to extract minerals efficiently and in high volumes without the use of mercury".
Armah-Kofi Buah who is also the MP for Ellembelle Constituency stated that the initiative would not only improve mining practices but also ensure environmental protection, safeguard water bodies, and enhance livelihoods in mining communities.
On his part, Frank Asare Pedro, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Program appealed to members of the cooperatives to be law-abiding and adhere strictly to responsible mining methods.
"Government is not against mining; it is against irresponsible mining", he stated.
He emphasised that, "One of the most effective ways to curb illegal mining is to regularise the sector by issuing licences. This allows regulatory bodies such as the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Water Resources Commission to properly supervise operations and ensure compliance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703)".
He added that rCOMSDEP would work closely with regulatory agencies to ensure that the cooperatives fully implement the mining practices they have been trained to adopt.
Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, expressed concern about the wanton destruction of water bodies and forest reserves caused by illegal mining activities.
He cautioned illegal miners (galamseyers) to desist from destructive practices and enrol under the Responsible Cooperative Mining initiative, warning that the law would soon catch up with those who refuse to comply.
With Anwia and Teleku Bokazo breaking the ice, the Ministry plans to roll out the program to other mining communities across the region and beyond, banking on the success of the Anwia–Teleku Bokazo Responsible Cooperative Mining Society as a model for responsible and sustainable mining in Ghana.
The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Program, a flagship initiative spearheaded by the Minister, forms part of government’s broader efforts to combat illegal mining while promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices.
The program was launched this year by the Lands and Natural Resources Minister at Teleku-Bokazo and Anwia.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ellembelle, Joseph Agyekum, commended the Lands and Natural Resources Minister for thinking about the unemployed youth of Ellembelle for helping them to secure mining concession from Adamus Mining company.
He, therefore pledged his total commitment to ensure that the beneficiary communities do not violate the best mining practices.
He advised the youth to stop the illegal mining in the country.
The Chiefs of Teleku-Bokazo and Anwia communities commended the Lands Minister and his team for honoring their pledge.
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