CURBING GALAMSEY: Lands Minister revokes all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024

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BY: Ivy Abena Dede Narki Teye*

The Ghanaian government has announced the revocation of all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024, as part of its significant steps to tackle illegal mining across the country.

Speaking at a joint press briefing on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, on the findings of a Working Committee set up to review the current licensing regime, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, asserted that the licenses were issued without due process.

Mr. Buah highlighted the Ministry’s policies and programmes as government’s bold action to restore sanity to the mining sector.

He added that, Existing Community Mining Schemes will be disbanded and replaced with Small-Scale Cooperatives that will truly benefit local communities.

Meanwhile, a Technical Small-Scale Mining Review Committee will also be established to review all existing small-scale licenses. This committee will ensure that all licenses meet environmental and regulatory standards.

The committee’s Terms of Reference includes reviewing all small-scale mining licenses, auditing licenses to ensure proper acquisition and due process, and verifying payment of permitting fees.

WORKING COMMITTEE’S REPORT BELOW:

*Key Findings and Recommendations*
– License Revocation: All licenses issued since December 7th, 2024, will be revoked.
– Community Mining Schemes: Existing schemes will be disbanded and replaced with Small-Scale Cooperatives that will truly benefit local communities.
– Technical Review Committee: A committee will be established to review all existing small-scale licenses, ensuring they meet environmental and regulatory standards.

*Terms of Reference for the Technical Committee*
– Review all small-scale mining licenses with representatives from key agencies.
– Audit licenses to ensure proper acquisition, due process, and compliance with environmental standards.
– Verify payment of permitting fees.

*Next Steps*
– The Technical Committee will have 2 months to complete its assignment.
– All licensees must cooperate and submit their documentation for review.
– Failure to comply will result in license revocation.

*New Classification System*
– The government is working to establish a new classification system for small-scale mining, comprising Small Scale, Medium Scale, and Large-Scale categories.

These measures, according to the Minister, demonstrates the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining and promoting sustainable mining practices in Ghana.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Murtala Mohammad, has solicited support from stakeholders including the media to fight illegal mining popularly known as “Galamsey”.

The Minister who doubles as the lawmaker for the Tamale Central constituency, reiterated government’s commitment to fighting the menace and hold perpetrators accountable irrespective of their political affiliations.