Writer: Investigative Journalist Ohim
Alarm bells are ringing within the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) as some workers have accused the National Coordinator, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, of engaging in alleged backdoor deals.
The workers claim the alleged actions undermine the government’s efforts to sanitize Ghana’s small-scale mining sector and restore confidence in responsible mining practices.
According to the aggrieved workers, the programme, which was established to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining while promoting sustainable livelihoods, is allegedly being diverted from its core mandate.
They contend that rather than enforcing strict compliance with mining regulations, certain individuals are allegedly being given preferential treatment through unofficial arrangements.
What is more, it is alleged that Mawusi has taken high interest in field trips to galamsey sites when it is not her job to do that. She has also stopped assigning workers to small-scale mining fields by doing all by herself.
The workers further allege that some illegal miners are purportedly receiving access and protection through these alleged backdoor deals, creating an uneven playing field for licensed and law-abiding mining cooperatives.
They argue that such alleged practices risk weakening ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey,” while damaging the credibility of the programme.
The allegations have sparked growing concern among sections of the workforce, who are calling on the relevant state institutions to conduct an independent investigation into the claims.
They insist that a transparent probe is necessary to establish the facts, hold any wrongdoing to account if proven, and restore public confidence in the government’s responsible mining agenda.
As a result of these among others, there is a growing cold war allegedly brewing among workers raising concerns about the management style and direction of the initiative established to promote responsible small-scale mining in Ghana.
Some of the workers who spoke under strict conditions of anonymity revealed that the management style of the National Coordinator, Ms. Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, has become a major source of tension within the institution.
“The programme has drifted from its true vision and purpose because there is widespread frustration over Mawusi’s leadership decisions, workplace management, and the implementation of the programme’s mandate. If her activities are not checked, decision-making will keep becoming highly centralized, with little room for consultation or professional input from technical staff,” the concerned workers expressed.
They lamented: “Recommendations are frequently disregarded, leading to low morale and reduced productivity. Experienced professionals have gradually been sidelined from meaningful assignments. Many of us now report to work without substantive responsibilities despite remaining on the payroll, leaving valuable expertise underutilized.
….The work environment has become increasingly intimidating, employees fear expressing dissenting opinions or challenging management decisions because they believe doing so could attract reprisals.”
The workers also questioned whether sufficient attention is being paid to land reclamation, environmental restoration, skills development, and community empowerment, which they describe as central pillars of the programme’s original mandate.
More of this developing story coming up…
