A growing web of fraud targeting Ghana’s mining communities has been uncovered following a strong public warning issued by the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
In a press statement released Thursday, rCOMSDEP disclosed that individuals and groups are falsely posing as agents and regional coordinators of the Secretariat, deceiving miners and extorting money under the guise of facilitating access to mineralized lands.
The scheme, according to the Programme, involves imposters presenting themselves as official intermediaries with the power to secure mining opportunities for cooperatives. Victims are reportedly charged unauthorized fees and levies payments that rCOMSDEP insists it has never sanctioned.
“This is criminal conduct under the laws of the Republic of Ghana,” the statement emphasized.
No Agents, No Coordinators, No Middlemen
In what appears to be a direct response to mounting complaints from stakeholders, rCOMSDEP categorically denied appointing any agents, representatives, regional coordinators, district coordinators, or intermediaries anywhere in Ghana.
The Secretariat clarified:
No person or group has authority to collect money on behalf of rCOMSDEP.
No official positions exist under the titles “Regional Coordinator,” “District Coordinator,” or any similar designation.
Anyone operating under such titles is, in the Programme’s words, “an imposter acting without mandate.”
Exploiting Vulnerable Miners
The revelations raise serious concerns about the vulnerability of small-scale miners seeking to operate within the framework of responsible cooperative mining. With access to mineralized areas often highly competitive and regulated, fraudulent actors appear to be capitalizing on confusion and desperation within the sector.
Industry observers note that such schemes not only defraud hardworking miners but also threaten the credibility of Ghana’s ongoing efforts to formalize and sanitize small-scale mining.
rCOMSDEP’s warning serves as both a protective measure for miners and a broader call to safeguard institutional integrity.
Public Urged to Stay Vigilant
The Programme has urged the public to avoid engaging with self-appointed agents. It further cautioned that individuals who transact with such imposters do so at their own risk, as rCOMSDEP will not be liable for any losses incurred.
In a firm tone, the Secretariat signaled that law enforcement action is imminent for perpetrators.
“Any person found to be engaged in these illegal activities will be arrested, prosecuted, and made to face the full rigours of the law,” the statement warned.
Protecting Responsible Mining
As Ghana continues efforts to promote responsible cooperative mining, this development highlights the need for transparency, public education, and stricter monitoring mechanisms to prevent exploitation within the sector.
Stakeholders are encouraged to verify all information directly through official channels, including the Programme’s website (www.rcomsdep.gov.gh), its Accra office at No. 6 First Rangoon Street, Cantonments, or through its official contact lines.
The statement was signed by Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, National Coordinator of rCOMSDEP.
