The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, has issued a two-week ultimatum for the rectification of irregularities found in 962 small scale mining licences, warning that failure to comply will result in permanent revocation.
This follows the submission of a report by a committee tasked with reviewing the status of existing small scale mining licences across the country. According to the Ministry’s Media Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the report was presented to the Minister at the Ministry’s office on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Out of 1,278 licences reviewed, only 316 were found to be in the clear. The remaining 962 licences were identified with multiple irregularities ranging from documentation gaps and process anomalies to data quality concerns.
In response, Minister Kofi-Buah stated, “All 962 defective licences will be permanently revoked in two weeks if the anomalies are not rectified.”
He emphasised the Ministry’s determination to preserve Ghana’s environment and take decisive action against persons and companies that flout mining regulations.
The Minister further revealed that stringent reforms are being pursued to overhaul the licensing system as part of broader efforts to sanitise the small scale mining sector.
More details are expected on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, when the Minister addresses the public during the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House in Accra.
Meanwhile, a similar review of large scale mining licences is also set to begin, aimed at addressing irregularities within that segment of the sector.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
