The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has announced the revocation of all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024, as part of a broader effort to curb illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. This move aims to address the severe environmental damage to forests and water bodies caused by unregulated mining activities.
At a press briefing outlining the ministry’s policies, Sector Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring affected areas, revealing that seven out of nine forest reserves impacted by illegal mining have already been reclaimed.
“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,” he stated.
The minister justified the decision by highlighting procedural lapses in issuing the licenses, stressing that due diligence was not followed. “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,” he explained.
Despite the revocation, affected license holders will have the opportunity to challenge the decision. “However, affected parties will have the opportunity to appeal to ensure the right processes are followed,” Mr. Buah added.
