Lands minister revokes all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has announced a revocation of all mining licenses issued after the December 7, 2024 elections.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Armah-Kofi Buah disclosed that the decision forms part of the government's plans to tackle the galamsey menace.

“Based on the advice and recommendations of key committees, jointly with the minister supported by the EPA, the Minerals Commission, the Forestry Commission, and the Water Resources Commission, we are taking the following steps. We are going full steam ahead to revoke all licenses based on the findings. All small-scale licenses that were issued from December 7 are hereby revoked.

“Whether you have EPA 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.

In a related development, the lands minister has told Parliament what the government intends to do with equipment seized at various galamsey sites.

“Seized illegal mining equipment are currently in the custody of the police. Once it has been determined that they were indeed used in engaging in illegality, the government will put them to good use," he said.

He also noted that the government has regained 7 out of 9 forest reserves taken over by illegal miners. 

“We are on course to regain the remaining two from the thugs. The ministry is engaging the Attorney General to explore the possibilities to fast-track the prosecution of illegal miners,” he added.

Calls have intensified for the government to address the issue of illegal mining which includes mining in rivers and forest reserves.

However, in an exchange on the floor of Parliament, the Minority Leader, Afenyo-Markin asked the minister: “You, as part of the cabinet are begging me to help you secure funding. Are you serious about fighting Galamsey?”

But the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga told Afenyo-Markin: “Why are we where we are today? We are here today because you were sitting here as Majority Leader.”

SSD/EK

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