Accra, Ghana – March 19, 2025 – The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has officially revoked all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024, citing irregularities in their approval process.
Speaking at a joint press briefing, Minister Buah stated that the move aligns with the government’s commitment to combat illegal mining (galamsey) and strengthen regulatory measures in the sector.
Stricter Measures to Curb Illegal Mining
The government’s broader anti-galamsey strategy includes:
- Stronger controls on excavator imports
- A complete ban on the fabrication and importation of floating mining equipment
- Enhanced regulatory measures to ensure compliance with environmental laws
Parliamentary Debate on Mining in Forest Reserves
Meanwhile, in Parliament on March 18, tensions flared as the Minority blocked the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, from presenting Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462.
This L.I. seeks to revoke the President’s authority to approve mining in forest reserves, a move seen as a crucial step in curbing illegal mining operations.
Dispute Over Parliamentary Procedure
- Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin demanded that the L.I. undergo a pre-laying process before formal presentation.
- Former Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor backed the Minority’s stance, arguing that thorough discussions were necessary due to the widespread mining in Ghana’s forest reserves.
- Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, however, disagreed, insisting that the L.I. is a simple one-clause regulation that had already achieved consensus.
- Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu supported the Majority’s stance, describing galamsey as a national emergency requiring immediate action.
Following intense debate, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor ruled that a three-day pre-laying process must be observed, directing the Subsidiary Legislation Committee to review the L.I. and report back by March 20, 2025.
Government Pushes for Urgent Action
Minister Buah emphasized that delays in passing the L.I. would hinder efforts to protect Ghana’s natural resources from illegal miners.
The revocation of mining licenses and the proposed L.I. are expected to significantly impact small-scale mining operations and reinforce the government’s commitment to environmental conservation.
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