By Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Accra, July 31, GNA – Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has extended the deadline for small-scale miners to regularise their mining licences to the end of August, this year.Â
This follows a petition by the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), requesting additional time to address irregularities identified in the licensing process.
Mr Buah announced the extension during a meeting between the Minister and the leadership of the GNASSM, Accra on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
The engagement sought to address concerns arising from a recent audit that flagged 902 small-scale mining licences for various infractions.
Mr Buah emphasised the importance of resolving the issues promptly while ensuring fairness and transparency.
To facilitate the process, the Ministry has established a dedicated Help Desk with a three-member committee, to assist miners in regularising their documents.
The Minister remarked: “This extension is not punitive but rather an opportunity for collaboration between the Ministry, the Minerals Commission, and Miners to streamline the licensing system.
Additionally, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the upcoming Cooperative Mining Scheme, assuring that it would be community-driven with stringent safeguards against political and private-sector interference.
He stressed that the new model would prioritise transparency, accountability, and equitable local benefits
In response to the extension, Mr. Godwin Armah, the National Secretary of GNASSM, commended the Minister’s consultative approach and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to partnering with Government to foster a sustainable and legally compliant small-scale mining sector.
Mining remains a cornerstone of the country’s economic development.
Therefore, the collaborative effort between the Ministry and the small-scale association marks a significant stride towards ensuring a more responsible and well-regulated industry.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade