By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, Jan 27, GNA – Ghana’s Minister-Designate for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has stressed a need to reform the country’s mining licensing regime.
Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday to be vetted, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah highlighted the existing framework’s inconsistencies, loopholes, and susceptibility to abuse, which undermined the sector’s potential for sustainable growth.
The mining sector is a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, foreign exchange, and national revenue.
However, the current licensing process is fragmented, creating opportunities for exploitation and regulatory non-compliance. Armah-Kofi Buah pointed out a key loophole where individuals held multiple licenses for adjacent areas without being classified as large-scale miners.
To address these challenges, the Minister-Designate outlined plans to streamline the licensing regime, enhance oversight, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
He expressed optimism that the reforms would bolster the sector’s credibility and position Ghana’s mining industry for long-term, sustainable growth.
“…Mr Chairman, When I get the opportunity to be approved, I intend to conduct a holistic review of the licensing regime…I have talked about one individual who will be holding almost 50 licenses… we need to look at this re-categorisation,” he said.
The environmental consequences of unregulated and illegal mining were also a key focus of Armah-Kofi Buah’s remarks.
He therefore pledged to incorporate stricter environmental guidelines into the licensing process and hold mining companies accountable for land reclamation and pollution control.
As a former Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
His expertise in public administration, energy policy, and project management would be crucial in driving reforms in the mining sector.
GNA