Nana Enimere Kwaw II, Chief of Wassa Damang in the Western Region, has called on the Government of Ghana to adopt community cooperative mining as a strategic approach to promote inclusive, responsible, and sustainable local development.
He argued that when properly regulated and supported, cooperative mining led by local communities can empower residents at the grassroots level, encourage environmentally sound practices, and drive economic growth in mining areas.
Nana Enimere suggested that Wassa Damang is ideally suited to serve as a pilot for this initiative. Incorporating the town into a cooperative mining structure would allow government bodies to better oversee small-scale mining operations while ensuring the protection of natural resources.
A key component of his proposal includes encouraging large-scale mining companies to hand over mine waste materials to local communities for value-added processing.
He explained that these waste rocks can be transformed into products such as tiles, glass, and residual gold, creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation within Damang.
Under his leadership, the community has already attracted interest from investors willing to partner on mine waste conversion projects. He disclosed that Damang is close to securing a $20 million investment for the upcoming Damang Mining Community Development Hub.
This hub will serve as a centre for skills development, innovation, and the creation of value chains linked to the mining sector—all aimed at promoting sustainable development in the area.
Nana Enimere Kwaw II emphasized that Damang’s approach demonstrates how cooperative mining, supported by traditional leadership, government collaboration, and private investment, can be a powerful tool for transformation.
He urged national authorities to view community cooperative mining not just as a mining reform, but as a key element of Ghana’s broader development agenda aimed at achieving inclusive and shared prosperity.
