The Government of Ghana has taken decisive action in its small-scale mining sector, announcing the termination of 278 licences by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) owing to regulatory breaches and expiry of permits.
The decision, according to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, forms part of the government’s renewed effort to sanitize the small-scale mining sector and reinforce compliance with environmental and governance standards.
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah emphasised the importance of the small-scale mining industry to the local economy, noting that “the government… recognises the significant role of small-scale mining in the development of our local economy, providing jobs and income to many families.”
At the same time he stressed that growth must go hand in hand with responsibility. The licence terminations are grounded in the legal framework of the sector.
“In accordance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended and the Minerals and Mining (General) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2173), the Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources has by this notice terminated the 278 small-scale mining licences listed below.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
The terminations reflect either a failure to renew licences or breaches of regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Breaches
The Minister explained that the decision was necessitated by regulatory breaches and the expiration of licenses, noting that such violations erode institutional integrity in the issuance and management of mineral rights and weaken public trust in state institutions.
“Furthermore, licenses expire when operators fail to renew their permits, rendering them legally unable to conduct mining operations.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
The Minister emphasized that this enforcement action is not punitive but corrective, aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s mineral wealth and ensuring that mining contributes meaningfully to the economy without harming the environment or communities.
“The government holds the view that regulations are not intended to hinder progress; rather, they are essential for responsible mining enterprises and sustainable development.
“When mining operators fail to comply with these regulations, they jeopardize not only the health of the environment but also the welfare of host mining communities.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
He further noted that the Ministry’s move sends a strong message that the government will not tolerate unregulated operations that threaten environmental integrity or erode public confidence in the management of Ghana’s mineral resources.
“This public notice serves a dual purpose: it highlights the responsibility of miners to adhere to regulations while reaffirming the government’s commitment to enforcing these rules.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
Hon. Buah stated that by strictly upholding the law, the government seeks to ensure that all mining operations make a positive contribution to society while adhering to sustainable and responsible practices.
Stronger Stance Against Illegal Operators
The revocation of the licenses is expected to have ripple effects across Ghana’s mining regions, where small-scale mining both legal and illegal has had profound socio-economic and environmental consequences.
While the sector employs hundreds of thousands of Ghanaians, it has also been associated with land degradation, deforestation, and pollution of major water bodies. The government’s latest decision, therefore, signals a stronger stance against operators who ignore the country’s mining laws or fail to renew their licenses as required.
“All current and prospective miners are urged to familiarize themselves with the regulations governing the acquisition of mineral rights, particularly in the context of small-scale mining.
“This includes understanding the requirements for obtaining mineral rights and the procedures for renewing licenses to prevent their termination.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
The Minister’s comments come at a time when the government is intensifying its nationwide efforts to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining under its Responsible Mining Programme, which seeks to streamline licensing procedures, strengthen environmental monitoring, and promote community-based mining initiatives.
Hon. Buah reiterated that the Ministry’s goal is to build a responsible mining industry that benefits all Ghanaians while preserving the environment for future generations.
“Together, let us commit to responsibly harnessing Ghana’s valuable mineral resources while respecting the regulatory framework that governs the sector.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
The revocation of the 278 licenses also serves as a reminder to other operators that Ghana’s mining industry is transitioning toward a more transparent and accountable framework.
Ghana’s effort to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability is reflected in the Ministry’s latest enforcement action, which reaffirms the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law in the natural resources sector and safeguarding the nation’s collective interest.
READ ALSO: BoG’s $1.15bn FX Injection Sparks Clash with IMF and World Bank Over Cedi Stabilization
