Government has stepped up efforts to end the ongoing illegal mining in the country otherwise known as ‘galamsey’.
As part of the measures, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has revoked all mining licences issued after the December 07, 2024, elections.
The sector Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, speaking at a press briefing Wednesday, March 19, 2025, indicated that the decision aims to tackle the widespread destruction of forest reserves and pollution of water bodies being caused by illegal mining.
He also indicated that seven out of the nine forest reserves affected by galamsey have been successfully reclaimed as part of the Ministry’s policies and programmes.
“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.
“However, affected parties will have the opportunity to appeal to ensure the right processes are followed,” he stated.
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