Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme

Also known as: RCOMSDEP

Government programme in Ghana aimed at replacing illegal mining with formal cooperative mining and developing skills in artisanal and small-scale sectors.

2026-04-252026-09-22

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

April 2026
25 AprJoy Online
The National Coordinator of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (RCOMSDEP), Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, has described the Mahama administration’s approach to combating illegal mining (galamsey) as holistic, structured, and multi-dimensional. …
RCOMSDEP Coordinator says galamsey fight is holistic and multi-pronged

Mining & Energy

Ghana urges Chinese investors to invest beyond raw mineral extraction

The News

Ghana's Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called for deeper mining partnerships with China that prioritize processing, technology transfer, skills development and local supply chains, rather than the extraction and export of raw minerals. The government seeks to ensure greater value is retained in Ghana while creating industries, jobs and building local expertise.

10 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 10 September

Ghana urges Chinese investors to invest beyond raw mineral extraction
Ghana's Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called for deeper mining partnerships with China that prioritize processing, technology transfer, skills development and local supply chains, rather than the extraction and export of raw minerals. The government seeks to ensure greater value is retained in Ghana while creating industries, jobs and building local expertise.
10 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 7 August

Ghana reflects on August 6 helicopter tragedy and galamsey fight
On August 6, 2025, a helicopter carrying eight Ghanaians—including the Defence and Environment ministers—crashed while travelling to an event in Obuasi aimed at confronting illegal mining. One year later, the article reflects on the tragedy and what lessons the country has learnt in its efforts to combat galamsey, which continues to ravage natural resources.
7 August 2026 · The Chronicle →

Thursday 30 July

Nkaseim residents warn contractor off community mining concession
Chiefs and residents of Nkaseim in Asutifi South District have warned a road contractor to stay away from their community cooperative mining concession, alleging that some influential individuals and local leaders are attempting to dispose of portions to private interests. The community has appealed to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to investigate and ensure the concession remains under community control.
30 July 2026 · The Chronicle →

Saturday 27 June

Western Nzema chief backs responsible mining programme, urges vigilance
The Paramount Chief of Western Nzema has endorsed rCOMSDEP, a government programme to promote responsible mining and end illegal mining. He welcomed the initiative but warned against using it as cover for irresponsible mining and said his area will not permit mining until the right framework is in place.
27 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 19 June

APL urges amendment of Ghana Gold Board Act Section 25
Policy think tank Africa Policy Lens is calling for an urgent amendment of Section 25 of the Ghana Gold Board Act to protect the mandates of mining sector institutions and prevent financial losses from duplicated functions. APL warned that GoldBod is encroaching on mandates already assigned to other state institutions, including the Minerals Commission, NAELP, Forestry Commission, and GLRSSMP.
19 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 3 June

Ghana replaces illegal mining with cooperative scheme in Ellembelle
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is replacing illegal mining operations in the Ellembelle District with a Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme, aimed at reducing illegal mining's harm to communities and water bodies while helping youth transition to responsible, sustainable livelihoods. Small-scale miners are also developing the Anwiah Teleko Bokazo Responsible Cooperative Mining site on an abandoned pit, with government support.
3 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 15 May

Lands Minister pitches Ghana as Africa's premier mining investment destination
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, promoted Ghana to global mining companies at the United Nations Forum on Forests in New York, highlighting the country's mineral deposits, political stability, and legal frameworks. Ghana has attracted over $20 billion in mining investments over the past two decades and remains Africa's leading gold producer.
15 May 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 29 April

rCOMSDEP engages Northern Region minister on miners registration
The rCOMSDEP team has met with Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John to coordinate a nationwide registration drive for small-scale and artisanal miners. The registration exercise aims to formalise the sector, improve oversight, reduce illegal mining, and protect the environment, with the minister affirming regional support for the initiative.
29 April 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 28 April

rCOMSDEP training begins for cooperative groups in Ellembelle
Training sessions for cooperative groups have begun in Ellembelle as part of the rCOMSDEP initiative to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining. The programme aims to equip participants with knowledge and skills in regulatory compliance, responsible mining practices, and organisational efficiency.
28 April 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 25 April

RCOMSDEP coordinator names greed as root cause of galamsey
The National Coordinator of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme identified greed as the central driver of illegal mining in Ghana, noting that rising global gold prices and pursuit of livelihood opportunities have intensified the problem.
25 April 2026 · Joy Online →
RCOMSDEP coordinator describes galamsey fight as holistic approach
The National Coordinator of RCOMSDEP says the Mahama administration's approach to combating illegal mining combines regulation, community engagement, and alternative livelihood programmes, going beyond enforcement to address root causes. The government has brought together civil society and local communities, and as of April 2026, the campaign has intensified with new technological deployments and increased law enforcement operations.
25 April 2026 · Joy Online →