Govt moves to halt issuance of prospecting licences in bid to reform small-scale mining
During his maiden visit to the Minerals Commission’s Control Room—responsible for monitoring the activities of excavators—the minister reiterated that under the government’s Resetting Ghana agenda, there is a pressing need to overhaul both the licensing system and regulatory framework of the Commission.
.jpeg)
The government is set to discontinue the issuance of prospecting licenses for small-scale mining as part of sweeping reforms aimed at sanitizing the mining industry.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, announced the move during a visit to the Minerals Commission, where he emphasized the need to revamp current licensing practices to prevent abuse. Instead of handing out prospecting licenses—which he noted are often misused as a cover for illegal gold mining—the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) will be empowered to carry out comprehensive geological surveys. These investigations will form the foundation for issuing valid mining licences.
During his maiden visit to the Minerals Commission’s Control Room—responsible for monitoring the activities of excavators—the minister reiterated that under the government’s Resetting Ghana agenda, there is a pressing need to overhaul both the licensing system and regulatory framework of the Commission.
He described the Minerals Commission as the watchdog of the sector, adding, “Everyone seems obsessed with gold, digging indiscriminately. We need to enforce the rules and ensure that mining is done responsibly, preserving our water bodies and forests.”
Mr. Buah also highlighted plans to decentralize the licensing process, shifting away from the current top-down approach. Under the new model, local stakeholders such as traditional leaders will be more actively involved in granting mining rights.
Addressing staff at the Commission, Mr. Buah urged officials to operate with professionalism and avoid partisan behavior, warning that political affiliations should not interfere with regulatory duties.
He gave assurances to staff that as long as they carried out their responsibilities professionally, they would be protected from political victimization.
Martin Kwaku Ayisi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring responsible mining practices. He noted that with 407 staff members across the country, the Commission is poised to expand its field operations to better regulate the industry in line with the government’s vision.
