The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced that Birim North in the Eastern Region has been selected to host the inaugural gold processing facility under the government’s Cooperative Mining Programme.

Speaking at a community durbar in New Abirem to launch the Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Training Initiative, the minister stated that the facility represents a structural pivot in the nation's mining value chain, transitioning small-scale extraction from rudimentary methods to industrialised processing systems.

Technological Shift and Economic Impact

A primary objective of the new processing plant is to drastically increase the efficiency of gold extraction within local mining communities. Minister Armah-Kofi Buah highlighted the stark technological upgrade the facility will introduce to the major mining hub.

- Traditional Extraction: Manual ore-washing methods currently yield a low recovery rate of roughly 20 percent.

- Modern Processing: The introduction of advanced processing technology is projected to elevate gold recovery rates to as high as 98 percent.

Beyond maximising mineral output, the state-backed initiative is designed to generate sustainable, formal employment opportunities for youth residing within mining enclaves by equipping them with regulated technical skills.

Regulatory Reforms Before Cabinet

The minister also disclosed that the executive branch is pursuing a comprehensive overhaul of the country's mining licensing framework. A draft reform bill is currently before Cabinet for consideration. Once approved, the new policy will legally empower district mining committees to conduct rigorous due diligence and assume a more prominent role in the official issuance of mining permits.

Resolving Local Discontent

The official launch of the training scheme proceeded despite friction from factions within the Birim North District. Local youth groups, reportedly including constituency executives and members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), had previously voiced grievances, claiming they were excluded from the initial planning and registration phases of the skills program.

Addressing these internal tensions, the Minister reassured community stakeholders that the ministry is actively working to resolve the disputes and integrate the aggrieved youth into the framework.

As an immediate next step in the nationwide rollout, registered participants will begin a two-day technical skills training exercise on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, anchoring the program's dual mandate of structured employment and environmentally responsible mining practices.