The Government of Ghana has revoked all mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024, citing concerns over rushed approvals without adherence to due process.
This decision, announced by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, comes as part of the government’s intensified efforts to combat illegal small-scale mining, known locally as galamsey.
Out of the 103 licenses granted in 2025, 102 were approved between January 1 and January 6, just before the Akufo-Addo administration exited office. According to Minister Buah, the findings of an inter-ministerial committee revealed that these licenses were issued hastily without proper scrutiny, raising concerns over transparency and environmental impact.
In addition to the revocation of licenses, the government has placed a temporary ban on the Community Mining Scheme. Investigations revealed that while these schemes were meant to empower local communities, many of them existed only in name, with little to no involvement of the actual community members. The government now plans to replace these schemes with Small-Scale Mining Cooperatives, ensuring direct community participation and benefits.
“Community mining should genuinely involve communities. What we found was that many of these licenses were issued in the name of communities, but the people on the ground were not involved,” Minister Buah stated.
To strengthen oversight and improve sustainability in the mining sector, the government has outlined key measures, including,
- Review of Licensing Procedures – A technical committee has been set up to audit all small-scale mining licenses to ensure compliance with environmental and legal standards. This committee, chaired by the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, will work closely with the Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Forestry Commission, Water Resources Commission, and the Attorney General’s Office.
- Decentralization of Licensing – The licensing process will now begin at the district level, allowing local authorities, traditional leaders, and security agencies to vet and approve applications before they reach the national level. This move aims to prevent backdoor deals and ensure mining activities reflect community interests.
- Strict Regulation of Excavator Imports – Ghana’s rising importation of excavators, which amounted to ₵6.2 billion ($500 million) in 2024, has raised concerns about their misuse in illegal mining. The government plans to tighten regulations on excavator imports and usage, working closely with the Ministry of Transport, DVLA, and other regulatory bodies.
- Ban on Mining in Forest Reserves – The government is moving to amend Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462 to prohibit mining in forest reserves. Minister Buah confirmed that this amendment has already been submitted in collaboration with the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology.
Recognizing the importance of collective action, the government has emphasized stakeholder engagement, including traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the media. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and Ghana Education Service (GES) will be involved in nationwide sensitization campaigns to promote responsible mining.
“We believe that this fight cannot be won by government alone. That is why we are engaging chiefs, MPs, religious leaders, and the media. Everyone has a role to play,” the minister noted.
The government has pledged to deploy security forces to protect water bodies, forest reserves, and lands from illegal mining activities. Additionally, mining companies and individuals found to be violating regulations, including political figures, will face public scrutiny under a “Name and Shame” campaign.
“We must be bold to hold everyone accountable, no matter their position. The survival of our environment and future generations depends on our actions today,” Minister Buah emphasized.
