The government says the revised Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) will ensure that communities affected by mining activities become key beneficiaries of Ghana’s mineral resources.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, disclosed that the Act, which has been in operation for 20 years, has undergone extensive review following consultations with stakeholders and has been endorsed by Cabinet for onward submission to Parliament for approval.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency, the Minister said the revised law provides a modern and forward-looking legal framework aimed at ensuring that mining contributes significantly to national development.
According to him, one of the major reforms introduced under the new law is the mandatory inclusion of community development agreements as part of mining leases.
“The revised Bill provides an updated, coherent and forward-looking legal regime to ensure that mining contributes immensely to national development,” Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah said.
He explained that the new legislation will also introduce district mining committees as the starting point for mineral licensing, giving local structures a stronger role in the management of mining activities.
The revised Act will further introduce medium-scale mining as a new category, while removing reconnaissance and prospecting licences and replacing them with an exploration licence limited to a maximum period of five years.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah added that mining lease periods will now be fixed at a maximum of 20 years under the proposed law.
The Minister said the reforms form part of government’s broader agenda to strengthen regulation, promote responsible mining and ensure that Ghana’s mineral wealth delivers lasting benefits to citizens, particularly communities where mining takes place.
