The government has announced the revocation of all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024, in a move to tackling practices of illegal mining in the country.
This decision follows the presentation of a comprehensive report by the Technical Committee jointly established by the Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology.
They were tasked to review the current small-scale license regime and propose recommendations on addressing the menace.
Briefing the press on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, assured the public that the government would focus on the committee’s recommendations.
“Based on the advice and recommendations of key committees, jointly with the minister supported by the EPA, the Minerals Commission, the Forestry Commission, and the Water Resources Commission, we are taking the following steps. We are going full steam ahead to revoke all licenses based on the findings.
“All small-scale licenses that were issued from December 7 are hereby revoked.”
Some recommendations suggested by the committee include a complete overhaul of the Community Mining Scheme, decentralizing the issuance of mining licenses, and repealing LI 2462, a law that gives the President the authority to sanction mining in forest reserves.
Mr. Buah commended the committee for their dedication and described the report as a blueprint for the government’s fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
“The report has armed the ministry, and by extension the government, with all the information necessary to make punitive and radical decisions in the small-scale mining sector.
“The findings show they are not benefiting the communities as intended. They will be disbanded and replaced with cooperatives formed through due diligence and proper community representation,” he added.
The Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, echoed the urgency of the fight against illegal mining, describing it as a moral battle to protect Ghanaian lives.
He emphasized the importance of the committee’s report in guiding the government’s efforts to achieve sustainable results.
“Comprehensive reports like this are essential to streamline our measures against the galamsey menace,” the minister stated.
He assured the public that relevant ministries and stakeholders would work together to conquer the scourge of illegal mining.
