Galamsey fight: Lands Minister warns possible revocation of 962 small scale mining licenses over irregularities; gives 2 weeks ultimatum ending August 4

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, has warned of the possible revocation of 962 small-scale mining licenses as part of efforts to combat illegal mining.

According to the Media Relations Officer at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the minister made this known following a committee’s report on the status of small scale mining licenses across the country.

The committee, which was established to review existing mining licenses, presented its report to the Minister at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Monday, 21st July,2025.

Per the committee’s report, a total of 1278 licenses were reviewed, out of which 316 were cleared off any irregularities.

The remaining 962 were, however, fraught with multiple irregularities ranging from documentation gaps, process anomalies, and data quality.

Reacting to this, the Minister warned that all 962 defective licenses will be permanently revoked in two weeks if the anomalies are not rectified.

He further indicated that his outfit is determined to preserve the environment and will take all necessary steps against persons who flout mining regulations.

He also added that stringent measures are being put in place to reform the whole licensing regime as part of efforts to sanitise mining across the length and breadth of the country.

The Minister is expected to offer more clarity on the latest directive on Wednesday, 23rd July, 2025, during the Government Accountability Series at the Jubille House, Accra.

Meanwhile, a review of large-scale mining licenses is also expected to begin to deal with irregularities in the large-scale mining sector as well.