Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has disclosed that Government is considering reducing the maximum duration of mining leases in the country from 30 years to 20 years.
He says Cabinet has made a proposal as part of amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
According to the Minister, the proposed changes, which have already been approved by Cabinet, will be submitted to Parliament for consideration.
Under the current law, mining firms can be granted an initial lease of up to 30 years, with the option of renewing it for another 30 years. However, the proposed amendment seeks to cap mining leases at 20 years.
Mr. Buah, speaking during the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, indicated that the review is aimed at ensuring Ghana derives greater benefits from its mineral resources.
He added that Government is introducing mandatory Community Development Agreements, which will require mining companies to negotiate and agree on development projects directly with host communities.
“I’ve also limited the fixed period to 20 years, and we have introduced community development agreements,” he said.
The Ellembelle legislator explained that the move is intended to address the concerns of inadequate development benefits for mining communities over the years.
“There are always communities that complain about developments. And so every mining lease will also have another additional community development agreement that has been signed between the mining company and the community,” he explained.
This, he indicated, will replace the status quo where mining companies unilaterally determine the kind of support they provide to their host communities.
“It’s no longer going to be the choice of a mining company who will decide, ‘I’ll give them some water.’ The community will negotiate in those mining agreements, with community agreements, their critical needs, and that will be agreed voluntarily by the mining company and the community,” he said.
The Minister noted that the proposed reforms are among several innovations captured in the new mining legislation aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring communities benefit more directly from mining activities.
Cabinet revokes E.I. 144 to restore Achimota Forest to full reserve status
