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Cabinet officials

Lands Minister Warns Small-Scale Mining License Holders as Deadline Looms

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Ghanaian Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has issued a stern warning to small-scale mining license holders who fail to prove the legitimacy of their licenses by September 1, 2025. A review of 1,278 licenses has revealed that 962 are fraught with irregularities, and failure to rectify these issues will result in permanent revocation of their licenses. The directive follows a plea for an extension by the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), which was granted by the minister. The license review and revocation are part of efforts to sanitize the mining space and combat the menace of illegal mining.

Key Takeaways:

  • 1,278 small-scale mining licenses were reviewed by a special committee, out of which 316 were found to be clear of irregularities.
  • 962 licenses were found to be fraught with various irregularities, out of which 55 were revoked earlier this year.
  • The minister has extended the deadline for license holders to prove the legitimacy of their licenses to September 1, 2025.
  • Affected license holders are reminded to submit documentation to prove their licenses' legitimacy or risk having their licenses revoked.
  • The license review and revocation are part of efforts to sanitize the mining space and combat the menace of illegal mining.
  • A robust review of large-scale mining licenses is expected to begin as part of comprehensive efforts to enforce compliance with mining laws and regulations.
  • The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) had pleaded for an extension of the initial deadline, which was granted by the minister.

Statistics:

  • 1,278 small-scale mining licenses were reviewed by a special committee.
  • 316 licenses were found to be clear of irregularities.
  • 962 licenses were found to be plagued with irregularities.
  • 55 licenses were revoked earlier this year out of the 962 with irregularities.
  • The deadline for license holders to prove the legitimacy of their licenses is September 1, 2025.

Sources:

  • Ghana Web, August 29, 2025
  • Statement issued by the License Review Committee of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources

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