The Acting National Coordinator of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), Siddiq Sheihu, has successfully resolved two long-standing disputes involving cooperative miners in the Western Region during his nationwide engagement tour, on August 24, 2026.
The first dispute was between Tarkwa Essaman and Kadadwen where disagreements had arisen over the name and identity of the cooperative as well as issues relating to the mining concession.
The second dispute involved Ahanta West and Mpohor Fiase, with the parties having differences over land boundaries and mining concessions.
Recognising the potential of these disputes to affect the smooth implementation of responsible cooperative mining activities, the Acting National Coordinator intervened and brought the parties together for constructive dialogue.
Through careful mediation, open discussions and mutual understanding, Siddiq Sheihu was able to facilitate an amicable settlement between the parties during his nationwide engagement tour.
The intervention has helped to ease tensions and created a pathway for the affected cooperative groups to work together peacefully.
The successful resolution of these disputes demonstrates the commitment of rCOMSDEP leadership to promoting peace, dialogue, fairness and cooperation among mining communities. It also reinforces the programme’s objective of ensuring that mining activities are conducted responsibly while protecting the interests of all relevant stakeholders.
The intervention by the Acting National Coordinator is a significant step towards strengthening unity among cooperative miners and ensuring that disputes over cooperative identity, land boundaries and mining concessions do not undermine the objectives and vision of President Mahama and the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah.
As part of the tour the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme team paid courtesy visit to Western Regional Minister and Regional House of Chiefs President.
The visit was to formally seek their blessings and support ahead of an extensive engagement with cooperative miners across the region.
The visit was also formed part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with key regional stakeholders and to ensure a smooth and successful engagement with cooperative miners.
The team used the opportunity to brief the leadership on the objectives of the programme and the importance of stakeholder support in promoting Responsible, Sustainable, and Cooperative Mining practices.
The leadership of the region welcomed the initiative and expressed their readiness to support the team as it undertakes its engagements withmMining communities and cooperative groups across the western region.
By Benjamin Aidoo
