{
  "id": 14731275,
  "title": "Small-scale miners to set aside part of earnings for land reclamation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/small-scale-miners-to-set-aside-part-of-earnings-for-land-reclamation",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-15T14:09:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/small-scale-miners-to-set-aside-part-of-earnings-for-land-reclamation/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has mandated small-scale mining operators to allocate a portion of their profits towards land restoration following the cessation of mining activities. Dr. Yusif Sulemana, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Ahanta West and Mpohor-Fiase Responsible Cooperative Mines in the Western Region. He emphasized that small-scale mining cooperatives must implement land reclamation techniques akin to those required by large-scale mining enterprises. The Ministry intends to oversee production output from participating mines to ascertain the amount each cooperative must set aside for environmental rehabilitation. The government has partnered with the Forestry Commission to furnish seedlings and planting materials to aid in reforestation. Dr. Sulemana stated, \"As long as they dig and destroy the surface of the land, we have encouraged them, and it is part of the policy guidelines that they should put aside some money which will be used to reclaim the land.\" Furthermore, the initiative is a component of the government's Responsible Cooperative Mining & Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), which seeks to regulate small-scale mining outside forested areas. Dr. Sulemana highlighted that formalizing these operations ensures that local communities genuinely benefit from mining activities instead of outsiders exploiting their lands without contributing. He assured miners that the rCOMSDEP's formalization drive will continue to be a priority under future governments, with a goal to certify at least 50 cooperative mines across the nation by the conclusion of 2026. The event served as the launch of the second cooperative under the program in the Western Region and the inaugural cooperative partnership between the Ahanta West and Mpohor-Fiase districts. Dr. Sulemana presented certificates of registration and operational permits to the project's promoter, Charles Ahiati, who also donated health support equipment and logistical resources to the Awunakrom community. Local authorities and stakeholders present at the ceremony endorsed the directive. Sheikh Seidu Sadiq, rCOMSDEP National Coordinator, urged miners to adhere to their designated concessions under close supervision from local authorities and residents, while George Dadzie, Deputy Coordinator, explained how regulated cooperatives differ from illegal galamsey activities. Francis Annobil from the Minerals Commission cautioned of penalties for non-compliance, while district leaders Ebenezer Aidoo and Sophia Aubyn welcomed the project's economic benefits, noting that the new mine has already created 300 jobs for local youth as a legitimate alternative to illegal mining.",
  "summary": "The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has directed small-scale mining operators to set aside a portion of their earnings to restore degraded lands once mining operations end. The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Dr. Yusif Sulemana, revealed this during the launch of the Ahanta West and Mpohor-Fiase Responsible Cooperative Mines at Awunakrom […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}