There is a need for concerted efforts by all major and minor stakeholders in the mining sector to coordinate activities across mining concessions to ensure sustainable mining practices that protect the environment and the country’s river bodies. However, efforts to achieve sustainable mining continue to be undermined by illegal mining activities in many mining areas.
The role of the West Africa Cooperatives Networks (WACoN) in working with small mining groups and small-scale miners cannot be underestimated. The organization is committed to the formalization, organization, and advancement of artisanal and small-scale miners (ASMs) in Ghana and across West Africa. WACoN aims to promote sustainable mining practices and protect the environment, which is currently under significant threat.
Mr. Agyarko Manu Ebenezer, Head of Technical Communications and Principal Mining Consultant for West Africa Cooperatives Networks, made these remarks during the “Adekyee Mu Nsem” morning show on Ahotor FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
According to him, WACoN’s mission is to create a unified cooperative platform that empowers miners through technical support, financial inclusion, environmental stewardship, and policy advocacy.
He used the platform to call on all small-scale miners to adhere to best mining practices, particularly those aimed at protecting the environment and the country’s river bodies, which continue to face serious threats.
Mr. Ebenezer reiterated that WACoN serves as a catalyst for transforming the ASM sector from informal and often unsafe operations into productive, resilient, and environmentally responsible enterprises.
He further explained that the organization’s operations focus on working directly with mining communities to strengthen local governance, build entrepreneurial capacity, and promote ethical mineral production that meets both national and international standards.
He noted that WACoN seeks to organize artisanal and small-scale miners into well-structured cooperatives while facilitating access to legal mining concessions, financing opportunities, and technical training.
In addition, the organization promotes environmental stewardship and land reclamation practices. Through its advocacy efforts, WACoN also supports fair mineral trade, local beneficiation, community development, and social responsibility within mining communities.
