The Minister-Designate for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has lamented the fragmented nature of Ghana’s current mining licensing process, which he describes as susceptible to exploitation.
He stressed the urgent need to reform the system to address inefficiencies, duplication, and regulatory gaps that have hindered the sector’s growth.
During his vetting on Monday, January 27, Armah-Kofi Buah pointed out that individuals are exploiting regulatory loopholes by holding multiple licenses for adjacent areas, allowing them to operate on a large scale 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, yet they operate across contiguous areas. This needs re-categorization,” he stated.
The current licensing framework has come under scrutiny for its inconsistencies, loopholes, and vulnerabilities to abuse, which have prevented the sector from reaching its full potential despite the mining sector being a crucial pillar of Ghana’s economy and contributing significantly to employment, foreign exchange, and national revenue.
The nominee outlined plans to streamline the licensing process, strengthen regulatory oversight, and ensure better compliance with industry standards.
He expressed confidence that these reforms would enhance the sector’s credibility and promote sustainable growth in Ghana’s mining industry.
Additionally, the Minister-Designate stressed the environmental impact of unregulated and illegal mining, calling for stricter environmental guidelines within the licensing process. He pledged to hold mining companies accountable for land reclamation and pollution control efforts.
“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,” Armah-Kofi Buah said.