The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has announced the approval of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) by Cabinet.

In a press statement on Monday, the Ministry noted that the initiative, which aligns with the President’s vision for sustainable job creation, will replace the Community Mining Scheme (CMS) and the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP).

It stated that rCOMSDEP aims to reform artisanal and small-scale mining by establishing locally owned cooperatives.

“These cooperatives will receive professional training, legal concessions, and access to shared processing facilities equipped with modern, mercury-free technologies. The programme seeks to improve gold recovery rates, eliminate harmful mining practices, and diversify livelihoods through skills development,” it said.

According to the ministry, the programme focuses on three main goals: promoting environmentally responsible mining, restoring lands degraded by illegal mining, and providing vocational and entrepreneurial training for youth and women.

“It is structured around six pillars, including cooperative mining with centralised processing, technical support services, vocational training, environmental rehabilitation, agricultural value chain development, and community infrastructure projects,” it added.

The Ministry called on traditional authorities, youth groups, civil society, and private sector actors to support rCOMSDEP.

The initiative is designed to transform mining communities by fostering sustainable practices, restoring ecosystems, and creating inclusive economic opportunities.

Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD