55 Small-Scale Mining Licences Revoked, 907 Under Investigation – Armah Buah
Ministry of Lands intensifies efforts to sanitise the sector and curb illegal mining activities.
- 55 small-scale mining licences revoked due to irregularities
- 907 licences currently under review by the Mining Review Committee
- Large-scale mining operations also facing ongoing audits
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has disclosed a major regulatory crackdown in Ghana’s mining sector, revealing that 55 small-scale mining licences have already been revoked, with over 900 more under investigation.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Wednesday, July 23, the Minister said the action follows an extensive audit conducted by the Small-Scale Mining Review Committee, which flagged irregularities in 907 out of 1,278 active licences.
“A thorough review is underway to determine the legality and compliance of these operations. The goal is to sanitize the sector and promote transparency and sustainability,” Buah stated.
He also revealed that a similar compliance audit is being extended to large-scale mining operations to ensure adherence to environmental and legal frameworks.
The clampdown is part of a broader multi-agency effort involving the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces, and the National Security Secretariat. So far, 1,345 arrests have been made, and 425 excavators and other mining equipment seized in ongoing operations.
Particular focus has been placed on illegal activities within Ghana’s forest reserves, where 286 individuals have been arrested and a significant quantity of equipment—including excavators, bulldozers, changfang machines, and generators—confiscated.
Buah reiterated the government’s commitment to environmental protection, resource accountability, and full legal prosecution of violators, with further updates expected from the Attorney General.
