Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister-Designate for Lands and Natural Resources, has pledged to reform Ghana’s mining licensing framework to address inefficiencies and regulatory gaps.
During his vetting on Monday, January 27, he emphasized the need to eliminate duplication and inconsistencies that have undermined the sector’s credibility and potential for sustainable growth.
Highlighting existing loopholes, the Minister-Designate pointed to cases where individuals hold numerous licenses for adjacent mining areas without being classified as large-scale miners. “When I get the opportunity to be approved, I intend to conduct a holistic review of the licensing regime,” he said, stressing the importance of re-categorizing license holders to reflect their actual scale of operations.
Armah-Kofi Buah’s Proposed Reforms
Armah-Kofi Buah outlined plans to streamline the licensing process, enhance oversight, and ensure compliance with industry standards. He expressed optimism that these reforms would boost Ghana’s mining sector, which is a cornerstone of the economy, contributing significantly to employment, foreign exchange, and national revenue.
Beyond addressing licensing inefficiencies, he emphasized the need to tackle the environmental consequences of mining. He pledged to incorporate stricter environmental guidelines into the licensing process and hold companies accountable for land reclamation and pollution control. “We need to ensure that mining is not just profitable but also sustainable for future generations,” he said.
Background on Mining Licensing Challenges
Ghana’s mining licensing regime has faced criticism for inconsistencies, regulatory loopholes, and susceptibility to abuse. These challenges have allowed unregulated and illegal mining to thrive, resulting in significant environmental degradation and loss of government revenue. By addressing these gaps, the proposed reforms aim to position Ghana’s mining sector for long-term, sustainable growth while fostering public trust in the industry.
