The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) has extended its nationwide sensitisation drive to mining communities in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region and Ayanfuri in the Central Region.

At Aboso Gangway, Fanti Mines, and Bogum Mining Shafts in Prestea Huni Valley, the Programme Coordinator, Engineer Frank Pedro Asare, engaged miners on the importance of prioritising safety in their operations.

He emphasised the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), clear signage, designated emergency assembly points, and health posts as essential measures for sustainable mining.

“If we want to safeguard lives and make mining sustainable, safety must be non-negotiable,” Engineer Asare stated.

He also cautioned against child labour in mining, describing it as unlawful and dangerous.

“Engaging children in mining flouts international conventions on child labour.

It is unacceptable,” he warned.

On sustainable processing methods, Engineer Asare highlighted plans for centralised mining plants to minimise environmental damage and boost job creation.

“A processing plant will ensure that ore is washed responsibly in one location, protecting water bodies while creating employment for those who will work at the plant,” he explained.

Leaders of the shafts welcomed the cooperative mining initiative, noting that it would help improve safety and accountability in small-scale mining.

At Bogum Mines, miners appealed for the government’s support in transporting and managing explosives, which they said were usually controlled by large-scale mining companies.

“Our method of mining is rock mining, and explosives are vital.

We need the government’s support to access and manage them properly,” one shaft leader noted.

The rCOMSDEP team also held engagements with miners and community leaders in Denkyira Ayanfuri, Central Region.

They met with the Zongo Chief, the District Chief Executive for Upper Denkyira West, Hon. Isaac Nsiah, and leaders of small-scale miners to discuss the benefits of cooperative mining and the need for strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards.