Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah is the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revealed that his ministry has completed a comprehensive overhaul of the Mining Act, Act 703, aimed at reshaping how mining operations are conducted in Ghana.
Speaking on the new reforms, the minister explained that the changes are intended to decentralise decision-making and ensure local communities play a key role in mining activities.
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“We have also completed a full overhaul of the Mining Act, Act 703, and there are key provisions that are going to bring a paradigm shift in how we mine,” he disclosed on January 27, 2026, during a working visit by the Vice President to the ministry.
He revealed that one of the major reforms is the creation of district mining committees, which will serve as the first point of authority for mining approvals.
“For example, we have introduced what we call district mining committees because we believe that before the Minerals Commission and the EPA in Accra grant licenses, that authority must start at the district level, from the traditional authorities and local communities where the mining will take place. These district mining committees will make recommendations,” he explained.
Buah indicated that under the new system, mining applicants will be required to engage with local stakeholders and secure recommendations before licenses are issued by the Minerals Commission.
“People who want to mine will not be able to go to a site for the first time after obtaining a license in Accra. No, they must first engage local stakeholders, obtain recommendations, and demonstrate that their intended mining site is not near a water body or forest reserve. Only after receiving this recommendation will the Minerals Commission issue a license,” he added.
The minister also said that the overhaul introduces a medium-scale licensing category, expanding the existing small- and large-scale framework to encourage responsible mining practices and broaden participation in the sector.
“We are changing that completely. Previously, we had only small-scale and large-scale licenses. We are now introducing a medium-scale licensing category to broaden the scope and give people the capacity to operate responsibly,” he disclosed.
Buah further emphasised the government’s commitment to environmental protection, announcing the revocation of LI-2462 and reiterating that mining will no longer be permitted in sensitive ecological areas.
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“We have completely revoked LI-2462, and that is a message this government is sending to the people of Ghana: there will be no mining in forest reserves or water bodies, and we will all work together to keep our waters blue and our forests green,” he stated.
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Source:
www.ghanaweb.com
