W/R: Cooperative community mining initiative set to create 20,000 jobs at Ellembelle
The Member of Parliament for Ellembelle in the Western region, Emmanuel Kofi-Armah Buah, has rolled out a responsible cooperative mining initiative aimed at replacing illegal mining activities in the constituency.
The community-owned project, Anwiah Teleko Bokazo Responsible Cooperative Mining, which is expected to generate about 20,000 jobs, seeks to promote sustainable mining practices while protecting water bodies and the environment.
The cooperative mining programme, launched in September 2025, will be undertaken at an abandoned Adamus Resources mining pit at Anwia near Nkroful in the Western region.
The initiative forms part of efforts to provide alternative livelihoods for residents and reduce the prevalence of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The project is designed to ensure that local communities directly benefit from mining activities while adhering to strict environmental and safety standards.
It is also expected to improve economic opportunities for thousands of young people who have struggled to find employment in the area.
Nkroful and its surrounding communities have suffered extensive land degradation over the years due to illegal mining activities.
Vast portions of farmlands and vegetation have been destroyed, while some water bodies like Subri River have been polluted by the activities of illegal miners.
The area was recently among locations targeted under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ land reclamation programme, which is restoring about 800 acres of degraded land.
Speaking to the media, the Assembly Member for the area, Hon. Francis Awuah, expressed optimism about the project, saying it would encourage many young people to abandon illegal mining.
“The youth now have a better opportunity through cooperative mining, and we believe many of them will shift away from galamsey because this model offers a more sustainable future,” he said.
He noted that the initiative would not only create jobs but also contribute to the long-term development of the community through responsible resource management.
Hon. Awuah stressed that involving local people in the ownership and management of the project would help ensure accountability and compliance with mining regulations.
“Cooperative mining is safe compared to illegal mining, which has led to many deaths over the years. We are grateful to our MP and minister for bringing this initiative to the community, and we assure him that we will operate within the confines of legal and responsible mining,” Hon. Awuah stated.
He added that residents were committed to supporting the programme to ensure its success and to safeguard the environment for future generations.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
