He noted that a component of the cooperative strategy was to release a Mine waste by large-scale mining companies to local communities for alternative livelihood projects.  

According to him, the Wassa Damang community stood out as a prime candidate for piloting this initiative. 

Nana Kwaw II said integrating Wassa Damang into the cooperative mining scheme would enable government institutions to effectively monitor, regulate, and support small-scale mining activities, while also safeguarding the environment and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.  

He said: “These waste rocks, when properly utilised, can be transformed into valuable products such as tiles, glass, and residual gold, creating employment opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship in the Damang area.” 

He continued: “Under my leadership, significant strides have been made towards harnessing this potential.  

“We have engaged with multiple prospective investors who have expressed strong interest in value addition to mine waste, a move that promises to unlock economic growth across the region.” 

Nana Kwaw II revealed that the Damang community was on the verge of securing a major physical investment of approximately $20 million through the soon to be launched Damang Mining Community Development Hub.  

The hub, he noted, would serve as a centre for innovation, job creation, and community empowerment through mining-related value chains. 

“The Damang experience highlights the tremendous potential of cooperative mining when paired with visionary leadership, government support, and private sector collaboration,” he stated.  

He said it was time for Ghana to embrace this model, not only as a mining policy but as a nation-building tool for shared prosperity.