rCOMSDEP PAYS COURTESY CALL ON WESTERN NORTH REGIONAL MINISTER

A team from the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), led by Mr. George Dadzie Jnr., Deputy National Coordinator – Operations, paid a courtesy call on the Western North Regional Minister, Hon. Wilbert Petty Brentum in Sefwi Awaso.

The delegation included Kwadwo Debrah Donkor (Mining Geologist), Afriyie Owusu Bempah (Technical Head), and John Afful (Head of Communication).

The visit, which took place on Friday, 24th October 2025, aimed at introducing the programme’s vision and activities to be undertaken in the Western North region to the Regional Minister.

Speaking during the meeting, George Dadzie Jnr. explained that the Western North Region, known for its rich gold deposits, has a large population of youth and women engaged in small-scale mining. He noted that while mining provides income and livelihoods, it must be carried out responsibly and sustainably.

“Our mission is to ensure that mining in Ghana becomes both productive and responsible. Through rCOMSDEP, we are introducing a Responsible Cooperative Mining Scheme that organizes miners into cooperatives, builds their capacity, and ensures that their operations meet environmental and safety standards,” said George Dadzie Jnr.

He further emphasized that the programme also seeks to provide Vocational Training and Entrepreneurship Development opportunities for individuals who may wish to transition from mining into other productive ventures such as Electricals and electronics, Fashion Design, Leatherworks, Wielding and Fabrication, Food Processing, etc. and small business enterprises.

Hon. Wilbert Petty Brentum commended the rCOMSDEP team for their initiative, describing the programme as timely and transformative for mining communities within the region. He assured the delegation of the Regional Coordinating Council’s full support, particularly in stakeholder mobilization and community sensitization efforts.

The visit concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to work closely towards the successful tour of rCOMSDEP’s team in the Western North Region, with subsequent engagements planned with District Assemblies, traditional authorities, mining associations and preliminary assessments of proposed sites for Cooperative Mining Schemes.

JOHN AFFUL

Head of Communication