The Government of Ghana is undertaking sweeping reforms in the mining sector aimed at strengthening regulatory frameworks, protecting mining communities, and ensuring equitable distribution of mineral wealth, according to Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series press briefing at the Presidency in Accra, Mr Buah announced that the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and the 2014 Mining Policy are undergoing a comprehensive review to reflect modern best practices and correct long-standing imbalances in the industry.
He said the review process—currently 85 percent complete—has involved broad consultations with traditional leaders, civil society, academics, and mining stakeholders, and will soon be finalized.
Key Policy Shifts to Empower Communities
Among the major reforms proposed is the abolition of Development Agreements in favour of mandatory Community Development Agreements (CDAs). These CDAs will legally require mining firms to allocate a percentage of their gross mineral revenues to fund development projects in host communities.
“The people who live with the impacts of mining must also share directly in its benefits,” Mr Buah said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a more inclusive mining economy.
Other proposed changes include:
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Reducing the number of years for holding prospecting licenses to prevent speculative hoarding of mineral rights.
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Cutting the maximum term for mining leases from the current 30 years to a more reasonable duration.
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Introducing a three-tier mineral rights system by adding a medium-scale mining category.
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Reviewing or scrapping stability agreements, which currently lock in tax and regulatory terms for up to 15 years for large investors.
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Ending the automatic renewal of licenses when compliance conditions are not met.
Clampdown on Irregular Mining Licenses
As part of efforts to clean up the sector and crack down on illegal mining (galamsey), the Minister revealed that 55 small-scale mining licenses issued during the recent transitional period had already been revoked. Additionally, 907 out of 1,278 existing licenses are under review for possible cancellation due to irregularities uncovered by the Small-Scale Mining Review Committee.
Large-scale mining operations are also under scrutiny, with ongoing reviews to ensure compliance with legal and environmental standards.
Mining for a Sustainable Future
Mr Buah highlighted that the reforms are driven by a vision to align Ghana’s mining sector with global standards and sustainability principles. He acknowledged the immense pressure on natural resources due to population growth, urbanisation, and climate change, and said Ghana must act decisively to safeguard its mineral wealth for future generations.
“Ghana is abundantly endowed with gold, bauxite, iron, salt, and other minerals. But without strong laws, we risk allowing this wealth to benefit only a few at the expense of the many—especially the communities who suffer the environmental and social costs,” he stressed.
The reforms, he said, are a reflection of the Mahama administration’s broader agenda to bring justice, transparency, and accountability to natural resource governance.
As Ghana moves to realign its mining laws, the message is clear: a fair, responsible, and community-centered mining regime is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity.
