rCOMSDEP Extends Cooperative Mining Sensitisation to Builsa North and Talensi Districts
The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) has extended its sensitisation campaign to the Builsa North and Talensi Districts of the Upper East Region as part of the government’s broader agenda to promote responsible cooperative mining. The latest engagements were held in the Kadima and Gbani communities under the Bolgatanga jurisdiction and brought together local stakeholders, traditional leaders, and residents eager to learn more about the initiative.
The sessions were led by Mr. Owusu Benpah Afriyie, Head of the Technical Unit at rCOMSDEP, with support from officials of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. In his remarks, Mr. Afriyie emphasized the importance of cooperative mining as a sustainable and organized framework that not only ensures legal operations but also safeguards the environment and promotes shared community benefits. He further outlined the processes involved in forming mining cooperatives, stressing the need for inclusivity, transparency, and accountable governance structures.
Mr. Afriyie also highlighted the crucial role of geological surveys in determining mineral availability before any mining activities commence, noting that such surveys provide the technical foundation for responsible mining. He underscored that reclamation of mined lands is non-negotiable, ensuring that communities can make productive use of restored lands, particularly for agriculture, after mining operations cease.
As part of the visit, registration documents were formally handed over to the Minerals Commission Manager in Bolgatanga to guide interested groups through the legal and administrative requirements. The facilitators clarified that prospective applicants must first engage District Chief Executives, traditional leaders, and other recognized authorities before initiating the process.
The sensitisation recorded a strong turnout, reflecting the enthusiasm and readiness of the communities to embrace cooperative mining as a tool for sustainable development and job creation. Addressing the gathering, Hon. Mahama Dung Daniel, Member of Parliament for Talensi, expressed profound gratitude to the President of the Republic and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources for making the initiative a reality in his constituency. He described the programme as a transformational step toward responsible natural resource management, poverty reduction, and economic empowerment for the people of Talensi.
The engagement concluded with a shared commitment among government officials, traditional authorities, and community stakeholders to work together to ensure that cooperative mining becomes a vehicle for sustainability, inclusive growth, and long-term prosperity in the Upper East Region.
Source: rCOMSDEP Secretariat
