The Minister-Designate for Lands and Natural Resources has emphasized the urgent need to overhaul Ghana’s mining licensing system to address inefficiencies, duplication, and regulatory gaps that have hindered the sector’s effectiveness.
During his vetting on Monday, January 27, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah described the existing licensing process as fragmented and susceptible to exploitation
He cited cases where individuals exploit regulatory gaps to hold multiple licenses for adjacent areas, effectively operating at a large-scale level without being classified as large-scale miners.
“If approved, I intend to conduct a holistic review of the licensing regime. There is so much duplication in the issuance of licenses. For instance, one individual might hold nearly 50 licenses because they are not classified as a large-scale miner but operate across contiguous areas. This needs re-categorization,” he stated.
The mining industry, a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, contributes significantly to employment, foreign exchange, and national revenue.
However, the current licensing framework has faced criticism for inconsistencies, loopholes, and vulnerabilities to abuse, which undermine its potential for sustainable growth.
Streamlining mining licensing regime
Armah-Kofi Buah outlined his plans to streamline the licensing process, strengthen oversight, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
He expressed confidence that these reforms would enhance the sector’s credibility and position Ghana’s mining industry for sustainable growth.
The Minister-Designate also stressed the environmental impact of unregulated and illegal mining, indicated the need for stricter ecological guidelines within the licensing framework, and pledged to hold mining companies accountable for land reclamation and pollution control.
“These reforms are not just about efficiency. They are about protecting our environment, ensuring accountability, and creating a mining industry that supports long-term national development,” he said.
Armah-Kofi Buah’s proposals reflect his commitment to transforming the mining sector into a more transparent, sustainable, and environmentally responsible industry.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com