Ghana Revokes All Small-Scale Mining Permits Granted After December 7, 2024 Elections
© Getty Images / Kristian Buus
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Mining significantly contributes to Ghana's economy, accounting for roughly 40% of foreign exchange earnings and approximately 5.7% of its GDP. Gold is the dominant mineral, comprising over 90% of total mineral exports.
Ghana will rescind all small-scale mining permits granted after the December 7, 2024 elections, Ghana's Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said.
The revocation of mining licenses is part of a broader strategy to combat illegal mining ("galamsey") damaging the environment, he said. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the minister stated that a joint review uncovered numerous breaches in the issuance of recent licenses.
“Whether you have [Environmental Protection Agency] licenses or not, the finding is very clear—those licenses issued from December 7 were rushed, due processes were not followed, and the right procedures were ignored," Armah-Kofi Buah said.
Armah-Kofi Buah stated that confiscated equipment from illegal mining sites is in police custody and will be repurposed for legitimate use if investigations confirm their unlawful operation.
The minister also announced that the government has reclaimed seven of nine forest reserves encroached upon by illegal miners and is working to reclaim the remaining two. He added that the ministry is collaborating with the attorney general to expedite the prosecution of illegal miners.
