The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is replacing illegal mining operations in Ellembelle District, Western Region. It is introducing a Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme. This initiative aims to reduce harmful illegal mining practices. These practices damage communities and vital water bodies.
Sector Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah stated the government's firm resolve to end illegal mining. He said the program helps young people mine responsibly. This approach avoids destruction to water bodies. He spoke after handing over land in Ellembelle. This land was illegally mined and is now slated for reclamation.
The Western Region is rich in gold deposits. Licensed companies operate there. However, illegal mining remains a significant problem. At Nkroful, Anwia, and Bokazo alone, roughly 800 acres of land suffered destruction. Beyond reclaiming degraded land, the Ministry is focused on creating sustainable livelihoods for former miners. They are transitioning them into formal, responsible work.
Small-scale miners in the area are developing a new site. It is called the Anwiah Teleko Bokazo Responsible Cooperative Mining site. The government supports this project. The site is an abandoned pit from Adamus Mining. It was transferred for this cooperative use. Since its abandonment, the pit has accumulated vast amounts of water. The community and the Ministry have installed machinery to pump water out.
Francis Awuah, the Assembly Member for Anwian Electoral Area, confirmed the progress. He said sponsors and stakeholders are speeding up the work. "Machines deployed to dewater the mine pit are still at work and we will complete the dewatering very soon," he stated. After dewatering, essential facilities will be installed. These include a clinic, offices, and changing rooms for miners.
Miners expected to work at this new site have already completed training. The University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa provided the education. Johnson Afful, Public Relations Officer for RCOMSDEP, emphasized safety. He said safety standards will be strictly enforced. "Since we ensure all safety measures are deployed in the mine, we will check if all things are standard before operations," he explained. The community has embraced these standards. They are actively working to meet all requirements.
Minister Buah reiterated government commitment. He pledged support to make the cooperative site fully functional. The Ministry will expedite the dewatering process. It will also supply gold processing equipment for the cooperative. "We know that you are close to finishing the pumping, we are going to fast track it. The good news is that we are bringing the first set of processing machines to Ellembelle to support the cooperative mining program," he added. This effort represents a significant shift. It moves away from destructive practices towards regulated, community-focused mining.