In a decisive move to promote transparency and sustainability in Ghana’s mining sector, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inaugurated a nine-member Small-Scale Mining License Review Committee. The initiative aims to conduct a comprehensive audit of all small-scale mining licenses issued across the country.
The committee, which will be chaired by Mr. Sulemana Yusif, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has been tasked with scrutinizing licenses to ensure they meet legal, environmental, and financial requirements. The formation of this committee comes at a time when the country is grappling with the impact of illegal and unregulated mining activities, particularly on water bodies, forest reserves, and arable land.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in Accra, Minister Armah-Kofi Buah highlighted the critical role of the committee in cleaning up the licensing regime.
“Your work will expose irregularities in the licensing process, help restore confidence in the sector, and ensure optimum national benefit,” he stated.
The audit will examine whether licenses were acquired through due process and if holders continue to meet all conditions of validity. These include compliance with environmental standards, land use regulations, and payment of requisite fees.
The Minister also hinted that while the committee has been given a two-month deadline to complete its review, the timeline could be adjusted depending on operational requirements.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman Sulemana Yusif assured stakeholders of a thorough, impartial, and transparent review process.
“We recognise the trust placed in us and will ensure transparency to boost investor confidence,” he affirmed.
He urged all license holders to fully cooperate with the committee to ensure a smooth and effective exercise.
The committee comprises professionals and technical experts drawn from key stakeholder institutions, including:
- Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
- Minerals Commission
- Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
- Water Resources Commission
- Forestry Commission
- Office of the Attorney General
- Association of Small-Scale Miners
- Ghana Chamber of Mines
This multi-sectoral representation is designed to ensure a holistic and well-informed audit process, considering the complex interplay between environmental preservation, regulatory enforcement, and industry growth.
The review is expected to uncover discrepancies, enhance regulatory enforcement, and support sustainable mining practices in the small-scale mining sector.
The Committee is expected to submit its final report by June 2025, a milestone that could signal a significant shift in the governance and regulation of small-scale mining activities in Ghana. The government’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to balancing economic development with environmental stewardship.
