The West African Cooperative Network (WACoN) is committed to enabling small-scale miners in Ghana to operate within legal frameworks. The organization addresses critical barriers including lack of equipment access, financial resources, training, and proper licensing from the Minerals Commission.
WACoN's Head of Technical Communication, Ebenezer Manu Agyarko, explained that the organization was established to tackle challenges preventing lawful mining operations. He noted that “WACoN was formed to support miners with the resources, knowledge, and guidance they need to work within the law” and contribute to sector development.
The organization derives its mandate from Ghana's Minerals and Mining framework. Its core mission involves providing financial assistance, equipment acquisition support, and training while guiding miners through the licensing process. The focus remains on surface-level gold mining conducted responsibly and sustainably.
Agyarko emphasized that membership is open to individuals aged 18+ and cooperative societies. He highlighted that WACoN's logo represents “abundance, unity, power, and strength”—values central to promoting organized mining practices.
Through education and capacity building, WACoN aims to transform Ghana's small-scale mining landscape, reduce illegal operations, and safeguard national mineral resources.
