The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced the revocation of 55 small-scale mining licenses issued during Ghana’s transitional period earlier this year, with over 900 under investigation for irregularities.
During his address at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Wednesday, July 23, Mr. Buah disclosed that an audit conducted by the Small-Scale Mining Review Committee has identified 907 out of 1,278 active licenses that may be subject to revocation.
“Additionally, 907 out of 1,278 licenses are now under review for possible revocation due to irregularities identified by the Committee,” he said.
He further mentioned that a similar assessment of large-scale mining operations is in progress to guarantee adherence to environmental and legal regulations, emphasizing the government's dedication to transparency and sustainable mining practices.
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“These measures are aimed at sanitising the mining sector to ensure transparency and sustainable operations,” Mr. Buah stated.
The Minister also updated the public on intensified anti-galamsey operations, highlighting the seizure of 425 excavators and other mining machinery. In collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces, and National Security Secretariat, the crackdown has led to 1,345 arrests nationwide.
In forest reserves alone, authorities have confiscated 177 excavators, 4 bulldozers, 12 vehicles, 43 motorcycles, 155 pumping machines, 184 changfangs, 15 gold detectors, and 10 heavy-duty generators. A total of 286 individuals were arrested in these protected zones.
Mr. Buah said the Attorney-General is expected to provide further updates on ongoing prosecutions, reinforcing the government’s resolve to restore integrity to the mining sector and protect Ghana’s natural resources.