The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) has intensified its stakeholder engagement and site assessment activities in the Western North Region as part of efforts to promote responsible and sustainable small-scale mining through the establishment of Cooperative Mining Schemes (COMS).
On Sunday, October 26, 2025, a team, led by George Dadzie Jnr., Deputy National Coordinator (Operations), continued the third day of its regional mission with field visits and community engagements in Suaman District. The team included Kwadwo Debrah Donkor (Mining Geologist), Afriyie Owusu Bempah (Technical Head), and John Afful (Head of Communication).
The day’s activities commenced in Dadieso in the Suaman District, where a stakeholder engagement meeting was held at the District Assembly Hall. The meeting brought together the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Vasco Obour, small-scale miners, community members, and other relevant actors within the local mining value chain.
Opening the session, the rCOMSDEP Communication Officer introduced the team and explained the mission of rCOMSDEP which is to promote cooperative-based responsible mining practices and engage communities on the implementation process of the COMS model.
Mr. George Dadzie Jnr. explained that the Cooperative Mining Scheme represents a viable and structured alternative to illegal mining, designed to empower local miners while ensuring strict adherence to environmental and safety standards.
“The Cooperative Mining Scheme is not just about mining; it’s about creating a system that empowers communities, protects the environment, and ensures that every participant benefits fairly,” Mr. Dadzie Jnr. said. “We are building a new future for small-scale mining, one that supports livelihoods without destroying the land we depend on.”
He emphasized that the scheme aims to promote shared ownership, community participation, and transparent benefit-sharing, aligning with the government’s broader agenda for responsible and sustainable natural resource management.
Speaking on the technical and training aspects of the programme, Mr. Afriyie Owusu Bempah, Technical Head of rCOMSDEP, reiterated the government’s commitment to capacity building and skills development for all cooperative members.
“All cooperative groups to be formed under this initiative will undergo structured training at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) on Best Mining Practices,” he said. “Additionally, individuals interested in alternative livelihood ventures will receive vocational training and start-up kits to promote livelihood diversification beyond mining.”
He further noted that the approach is designed to create a balanced and sustainable mining ecosystem, ensuring that community members can engage productively in mining and non-mining activities alike.
The engagement concluded with an interactive session where participants shared their views and expectations. Several small-scale miners and community representatives expressed strong interest in joining the cooperative mining initiative and pledged their commitment to responsible mining practices within the district.
Local leaders commended rCOMSDEP for involving communities in the decision-making process and for prioritizing training and environmental protection. Mr. Vasco Obour also reaffirmed the Assembly’s readiness to collaborate with the programme to facilitate the establishment of Cooperative Mining Schemes.
Shortly after the engagement, the team visited proposed areas within Dadieso to conduct site assessments.
The day’s engagements mark another significant milestone in the Western North Region as rCOMSDEP continues to strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders and identify viable areas for the rollout of the Cooperative Mining Schemes, an initiative aimed at formalizing small-scale mining and promoting sustainable livelihoods across Ghana.
