Small-scale mining licence review committee inaugurated

Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has inaugurated an 11-member technical committee to audit all existing small-scale mining licences in Ghana.

Chaired by Deputy Minister Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, the committee has two months to review whether licences were lawfully acquired, valid, and compliant with environmental and land use regulations.

It will also verify payment of permitting fees. Licensees who fail to cooperate risk losing their permits.

The move is part of a broader overhaul of the country’s mining policy, including new classifications for small-, medium-, and large-scale mining.

Mr. Buah pledged collaboration with the Environment Ministry, security agencies, and CSOs to protect the environment and rebuild investor confidence. Alhaji Sulemana assured fairness and transparency, adding that the committee would not operate through third-party agents.