Lands Minister revokes all small-scale mining licences issued after December 7, 2024

The Lands Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revoked all small-scale mining licences issued after December 7, 2024, citing irregularities in their approval process.

He stated that these licences were hurriedly granted without following due process, necessitating their cancellation.

Additionally, existing community mining schemes have been scrapped, with plans to replace them with small-scale mining cooperatives for better community benefits.

A review committee has been set up to audit all existing licences, with non-compliant holders facing revocation.

Meanwhile, Parliament is debating a new mining regulation (L.I. 2462) that seeks to strip the President of the power to grant permits in forest reserves.

The government has also intensified efforts to reclaim illegally mined forest reserves, reclaiming seven out of nine affected areas.