The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inaugurated a nine-member committee to conduct a thorough review of all small-scale mining licenses across Ghana, marking a major move to streamline the industry and curb illegal practices.
The newly formed Small-Scale Mining License Review Committee, chaired by Deputy Minister Sulemana Yusif, is tasked with scrutinizing license acquisition procedures and verifying compliance with environmental, legal, and financial standards.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra, Mr Buah emphasized the committee’s strategic importance in restoring credibility to the small-scale mining sector.
“This review will bring transparency, weed out irregularities, and ensure Ghana derives maximum benefit from the industry,” he said, adding that he would consider extending the committee’s two-month timeline if necessary.
The committee will investigate whether licenses were obtained through proper processes, if permit fees have been fully paid, and whether operations adhere to environmental guidelines—especially around water bodies, forest reserves, and land use.
Chairman Sulemana Yusif pledged a meticulous and unbiased review process. “We are committed to transparency and stakeholder confidence. We urge all license holders to cooperate with us for a successful audit,” he stated.
The committee comprises representatives from key regulatory and stakeholder bodies including the Minerals Commission, EPA, Water Resources Commission, Forestry Commission, Attorney General’s Office, the Ghana Chamber of Mines, and the Association of Small-Scale Miners.
Their final report is expected to be submitted by June 2025, in what is seen as a crucial step towards responsible mining and environmental sustainability in Ghana.
