The Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Area, Awulae Kwasi Amakye III, has publicly endorsed the government’s flagship program to stop illegal small-scale mining. This program is widely known as galamsey. Awulae Amakye backed the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), a government initiative.
rCOMSDEP falls under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. It aims to promote responsible mining practices across Ghana. Ms. Mawusi Ama Mawuenyafia, the National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP, presented the program to Awulae Amakye. She highlighted its focus on training local communities and creating jobs for them.
This initiative builds upon earlier community mining efforts. It specifically involves traditional rulers in decision-making processes regarding mining activities. Community leaders now have a formal voice in setting expectations for investors. They also help define community priorities. Mining agreements are officially documented and approved by rCOMSDEP before a ministerial mining lease is granted.
Awulae Kwasi Amakye welcomed the rCOMSDEP initiative. He urged the coordinator to maintain strong oversight. He cautioned against any misuse of the program as a cover for irresponsible mining activities. The Paramount Chief stressed that his traditional area's mineral resources remain largely untapped. This is because he insists on a robust framework for mining operations.
Awulae Amakye's stance reflects a broader concern across Ghana about the environmental and social costs of unregulated mining. Data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in Q1 2026 showed that mining contributed to economic growth. However, illegal mining continues to damage water bodies and agricultural lands. Traditional leaders often serve as custodians of community lands and resources. Their endorsement is crucial for government programs seeking local legitimacy and success.
Ms. Mawuenyafia assured Awulae Amakye that rCOMSDEP will work diligently to curb illegal mining. Her team will collaborate with the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). This collaboration aims to enforce responsible mining practices. The goal is to ensure all community members benefit from mining activities.
This support from a prominent traditional ruler represents a significant step for the government's anti-galamsey efforts. It signals increased local buy-in for formalized mining operations. Investors and policymakers will watch how rCOMSDEP integrates traditional authority into its oversight mechanisms. The effectiveness of documented agreements and the actual enforcement on the ground will be critical. This will determine the long-term success of responsible mining in Ghana.