In a decisive move to curb illegal mining, Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revoked all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024.
Speaking at a joint press briefing on March 19, 2025, the Minister justified the decision, revealing that these licenses were granted without due process. The revocation aligns with the government’s broader strategy to combat illegal mining, including tighter controls on excavator imports, a total ban on floating mining equipment, and stricter enforcement of mining regulations.
Parliamentary Tensions Over Mining Regulations
Meanwhile, tensions flared in Parliament on March 18 when the Minority blocked an attempt by the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, to introduce Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462. The proposed L.I. seeks to remove the President’s authority to approve mining activities in forest reserves.
The Minority, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, argued that the L.I. must undergo a pre-laying process before its formal introduction, insisting on adherence to parliamentary procedures.
“Mr. Speaker, I shall pray you to place the application on ice for now and direct the minister to go through the pre-laying ritual before the laying is done,” Afenyo-Markin asserted.
Former Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor backed the Minority’s stance, emphasizing the need for thorough scrutiny before revoking presidential discretion over mining rights.
However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga dismissed the objections, stating that the L.I. is a straightforward, one-clause regulation that had already received consensus. He warned that delays would undermine efforts to tackle illegal mining—commonly known as galamsey—and fulfill a key promise of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
“The fight against galamsey is a national priority, and any further delay in approving this regulation will only worsen the environmental devastation,” Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu added, calling for urgent action.
After a heated debate, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor ruled that a three-day pre-laying process must be observed. He directed the Subsidiary Legislation Committee to review the L.I. and report back by March 20.
With the government tightening mining regulations and Parliament grappling over key policy changes, the battle against illegal mining is set to intensify in the coming weeks.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
