Government disbands Community Mining, introduces Cooperative Mining Schemes

The government has officially disbanded all community mining schemes established by the previous administration, citing their failure to provide meaningful benefits to local mining communities.

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, announced the decision at a media briefing on Wednesday(19 March) , explaining that the schemes had not served their intended purpose.

In their place, the government will introduce Cooperative Mining Schemes, which will ensure greater participation and ownership by local community members.

“In the new system, there will be structured training programs to empower local people to take ownership of mining operations for their direct benefit,” the minister stated.

He emphasized that the new cooperatives will be subjected to strict regulatory oversight and due diligence to ensure responsible and sustainable mining practices. The move aligns with the government’s broader efforts to formalize and regulate small-scale mining while curbing illegal activities that have long plagued the sector.

By transitioning to cooperative models, the government aims to foster a more inclusive and transparent mining environment that prioritizes community development and environmental sustainability.

Source: Gh Extractives