The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced a sweeping crackdown on illegalities in Ghana’s mining sector, revealing that 55 small-scale mining licenses issued during the transitional period have already been revoked, with hundreds of others currently under investigation.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Wednesday, July 23, Mr. Buah disclosed that an audit conducted by the Small-Scale Mining Review Committee uncovered widespread irregularities. He revealed that out of 1,278 active licenses, 907 are now being scrutinised for potential revocation. “Additionally, 907 out of 1,278 licenses are now under review for possible revocation due to irregularities identified by the Small-Scale Mining Review Committee,” he stated.
The Minister noted that a similar audit is being extended to large-scale mining operations as part of broader efforts to ensure that all players in the sector adhere strictly to environmental and legal standards. “These measures are aimed at sanitising the mining sector to ensure transparency and sustainable operations,” Mr. Buah emphasised, reinforcing the government’s resolve to restore accountability and integrity within the industry.
In collaboration with national security agencies, including the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the National Security Secretariat, the Ministry has also intensified operations against illegal mining activities. These joint efforts have led to the seizure of 425 excavators and a wide range of machinery used in illegal operations. Nationwide, 1,345 individuals have been arrested, and prosecutions are currently underway.
The forest reserves, which have come under severe environmental pressure, have seen particularly aggressive enforcement. Within these protected areas, authorities have confiscated heavy-duty equipment and machinery, including excavators, bulldozers, vehicles, motorcycles, pumping machines, changfangs, detector machines, and generators. A total of 286 arrests have been made in these zones alone.
The Minister added that the Attorney-General is expected to provide further updates regarding the status of ongoing prosecutions.
Mr. Buah reiterated that the government’s actions are not simply about enforcement but are part of a long-term commitment to restoring discipline, safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources, and ensuring environmentally sustainable mining practices for the benefit of future generations.
