Lands Minister sets August 31 deadline for small-scale mining license rectification
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has announced August 31, 2025, as the new deadline for the rectification of ‘defective’ small-scale mining licenses.
During a recent engagement with Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), Armah-Kofi Buah explained that the decision comes in response to the association’s request, seeking additional time to resolve the irregularities identified in a recent 9-member committee audit report which flagged 902 small-scale mining licenses for various discrepancies.
“This extension is not punitive but rather an opportunity for collaboration between the Ministry, the Minerals Commission, and miners to streamline the licensing system,” the Minister stated, adding that this decision is necessary in swiftly addressing the issues while maintaining a focus on fairness and transparency throughout the process.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the upcoming Cooperative Mining Scheme, emphasizing that it will be community-driven and designed with robust safeguards to prevent political or private-sector interference.
He highlighted that the new model would focus on transparency, accountability, and ensuring equitable benefits for local communities.
In response, the National Secretary of GNASSM, Godwin Armah, praised the Minister’s for consulting the association and offering an extension, reassuring the association’s commitment to working alongside the government to build a sustainable and legally compliant small-scale mining industry.
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