The Patriotic Journalists Against Galamsey (PAJAG) has commended the government and the leadership of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) for issuing Ghana’s first Mining Operative Permit under the Responsible Cooperative Mining initiative.

The permit, issued at Anwia in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, has been described by PAJAG as a historic milestone in Ghana’s efforts to curb illegal mining while promoting environmentally responsible and community-focused small-scale mining.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Nana Otu Darko, PAJAG praised the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and the National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP, Ing. Frank Pedro Asare, for what it called “visionary leadership” in translating policy commitments into practical action.

According to the group, the development demonstrates that responsible mining in Ghana is no longer a theoretical promise but a concrete policy being implemented on the ground.

PAJAG noted that the rCOMSDEP model integrates structured training, strict regulatory oversight and the use of modern mining technologies to protect host communities and the environment.

The journalists’ advocacy group further observed that the initiative offers small-scale miners a legal and dignified means of livelihood, while helping the state tackle the long-standing challenges associated with galamsey, including land degradation and water pollution.

PAJAG pledged its full support for the nationwide rollout of the programme, indicating it would contribute through investigative journalism, public education and sustained advocacy to ensure transparency and accountability in its implementation.

“Responsible mining is possible — and Ghana is leading the way,” the statement concluded.

The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme is a key government intervention aimed at formalising small-scale mining, promoting environmental sustainability and creating decent jobs within the mining sector.