The government of Ghana has revoked all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024, in its efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
This decision, announced by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, follows recommendations from a Technical Committee that reviewed the country’s small-scale mining licensing system.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized that the revocation of licenses is part of a broader strategy to sanitize the mining sector and curb illegal operations.
“This report has armed the ministry, and by extension the government, with all the information necessary to make punitive and radical decisions in the small-scale mining sector.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
The committee, jointly established by the Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources and the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, submitted a comprehensive report detailing necessary reforms.
One of the major reforms outlined in the committee’s report is the disbandment of existing Community Mining Schemes.
The report found that these schemes, initially introduced to benefit local communities, have failed in their purpose, with many of them serving as a front for illegal mining activities. “Existing Community Mining Schemes exist in name only,” Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah revealed.
“The findings show they are not benefiting the communities as intended.
“They will be replaced with Small-Scale Cooperatives formed through due diligence and proper community representation.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
This move is expected to bring accountability to the sector, ensuring that only legal and community-driven mining operations are permitted.
Another major step outlined in the committee’s recommendations is the decentralization of the licensing process. Currently, small-scale mining licenses are issued centrally, which often leads to bureaucratic delays, corruption, and backdoor dealings.
One of the most controversial aspects of Ghana’s mining laws has been L.I. 2462, which grants the President the power to approve mining in forest reserves. The committee’s report has strongly recommended repealing this legislation to safeguard Ghana’s natural ecosystems.
“The destruction of our forests in the name of mining must stop.
“The government is fully committed to protecting our environment while ensuring sustainable mining practices.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
Environmental activists have long criticized L.I. 2462, arguing that mining in forest reserves contradicts Ghana’s climate action goals.
The government’s decision to repeal the law is seen as a major step towards sustainable environmental management.
Fight Against Illegal Mining
The Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, echoed the urgency of this fight, describing illegal mining as a moral battle to protect Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and farmlands.
“This is not just an economic issue but a fight for our future, our children, and our environment. If we fail to act decisively, generations to come will pay a heavy price.”
Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology
The government’s renewed crackdown also aims at addressing the severe environmental degradation caused by galamsey, which has polluted rivers, destroyed farmlands, and endangered ecosystems.
In a stern warning, Hon. Murtala Muhammad stated that no one, including political figures, will be spared in this renewed fight against illegal mining.
“Galamsey is nothing short of an act of terrorism against our environment and our people.
“Regardless of party affiliation, we will prosecute anyone involved, including members of the NDC or NPP. This is a fight we must win.”
Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology
The government’s position indicates a departure from past political interferences that have allowed illegal miners to operate with impunity.
Both ministers assured the public that stakeholders across government and civil society will be engaged to ensure a sustainable and effective implementation of these reforms.
With these sweeping regulatory changes, the government has sent a strong signal that illegal mining will no longer be tolerated.
The implementation of Small-Scale Cooperatives, decentralized licensing, and stricter environmental protection laws are expected to create a more transparent, responsible, and community-centered mining industry.
The revocation of post-December 7 small-scale mining licenses and the restructuring of the mining sector mark a turning point in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining. With the government fully committed to these reforms, the nation moves closer to a sustainable, legal, and environmentally responsible mining industry.
“The fight against galamsey is not just about protecting our resources—it is about safeguarding our nation’s future.
“We owe it to ourselves and to generations to come to get this right.”
Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology
These bold measures, if effectively enforced, could finally restore integrity to Ghana’s mining industry and secure a more sustainable future for all.
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