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

The permit, granted at Anwia in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, was described by PAJAG as a landmark achievement in the country’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. According to the group, the development marks a significant step toward promoting environmentally responsible, community-centred small-scale mining.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Nana Otu Darko, PAJAG commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and the National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP, Ing. Frank Pedro Asare, for what it described as visionary leadership in translating policy intentions into concrete action.

The group noted that the issuance of the permit signals that responsible mining in Ghana has moved beyond policy rhetoric and is now being implemented practically on the ground.

PAJAG explained that the rCOMSDEP model combines structured training, strict regulatory supervision and the adoption of modern mining technologies to safeguard both host communities and the environment. It added that the initiative provides small-scale miners with a legal and dignified source of livelihood while helping the state address persistent challenges linked to galamsey, such as land degradation and water pollution.

The journalists’ advocacy group pledged its full support for the nationwide implementation of the programme, indicating its readiness to contribute through investigative journalism, public education and sustained advocacy to promote transparency and accountability.

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

The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme is a major government intervention designed to formalise small-scale mining, enhance environmental sustainability and create decent employment opportunities within the mining sector.