From Illegal to Legal" – The 4-Phase Plan to Formalize Ghana’s Small-Scale Miners

The Government has begun a nationwide registration of small-scale and artisanal miners in a major push to formalise and regulate Ghana’s mining sector, long plagued by illegal operations and environmental degradation.

The exercise, being implemented under the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in collaboration with the Minerals Commission, follows a successful pilot phase in the Western and Western North Regions.
Authorities say the initiative is designed to bring structure, accountability, and sustainability to a sector that supports the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians but has struggled with weak regulation and environmental concerns.
Under the programme, artisanal miners will be organised into legally recognised cooperatives to ensure compliance with national mining laws and standards. Selected mining sites will also undergo detailed geological assessments to determine their mineral potential and economic viability.
The registration process will be conducted through a four-phase system, beginning with the collection of data on cooperative members, including national identification and contact details. This will be followed by technical evaluations such as geological validation, terrain stability checks, and environmental risk assessments covering water usage, waste management, and ore processing practices.
Qualified cooperatives will be issued a six-month Temporary Operating Permit, allowing them to operate under strict supervision while working toward full licensing. Final approvals will then be granted after a comprehensive review by rCOMSDEP and the Minerals Commission.
The exercise will also enable key regulatory bodies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, to carry out inspections necessary for environmental permits and mining licences.
Officials emphasised that registered cooperatives will benefit from ongoing technical support and monitoring to ensure adherence to environmental and operational standards under the Cabinet-approved rCOMSDEP policy framework.
In addition, the initiative is expected to establish a verified national database of miners, allowing government to streamline gold purchases through the Ghana Gold Board, thereby improving traceability and transparency within the gold supply chain.
The programme is being rolled out with the support of traditional authorities and local government leaders, who are expected to play a key role in mobilising participation across mining communities.
Issuing the statement, National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, urged all small-scale miners to cooperate fully with registration teams and provide the necessary documentation.
She noted that the exercise offers a clear pathway to legal recognition, improved operations, and sustainable participation in Ghana’s mining sector.