The Government of Ghana has approved the implementation of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), a flagship initiative aimed at reforming the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector while creating sustainable job opportunities for Ghanaians.
This transformative programme, initiated by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and backed by Cabinet, reflects President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to create decent, long-term employment through responsible mining practices and comprehensive skills training.
rCOMSDEP merges and replaces two previous initiatives — the Community Mining Scheme (CMS) and the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) — incorporating lessons from their implementation while addressing past challenges related to coordination, resource management, and environmental impact.
At the heart of the new programme is the creation of locally owned mining cooperatives, which will receive legal concessions, access to centralised and mercury-free processing centres, and professional training to improve gold recovery and ensure environmentally friendly practices.
Beyond mining, rCOMSDEP puts strong emphasis on skills development. Youth and women in mining communities will benefit from vocational and entrepreneurial training in areas such as agriculture, equipment maintenance, and digital technologies, opening up pathways for alternative livelihoods and self-employment.
The programme is anchored on six interconnected pillars:
- Cooperative Mining Scheme – Supporting community-owned, eco-friendly mining operations.
- Mine Support Services – Offering equipment, training, and technical expertise.
- Vocational Training & Entrepreneurship – Building alternative career paths, especially for youth and women.
- Environmental Rehabilitation – Restoring lands degraded by illegal mining.
- Agricultural Value Chains – Promoting farming cooperatives and agro-processing in mining regions.
- Community Infrastructure Development – Investing mining revenues into water, health, education, and renewable energy.
The Ministry has called on all stakeholders — including traditional leaders, youth, civil society, and private actors — to join hands in making rCOMSDEP a success.
“This is a defining step in transforming our mining sector into a driver of inclusive growth, environmental protection, and sustainable livelihoods,” said Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, Director of Communications at the Ministry.
With rCOMSDEP, Ghana is not only restructuring small-scale mining but also setting a new benchmark for community-centered development in resource-rich regions.
