Mining licences to be issued at District level under new law – Lands Minister

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced plans to decentralise the issuance of mining licences, allowing applicants to begin the licensing process at the district level rather than travelling to Accra.

Under the proposed arrangement, District Mining Committees will be empowered to handle mining licence applications within their respective jurisdictions as part of reforms under the new mining legislation.

The Minister explained that the initiative is intended to simplify the process of obtaining mining licences and make regulatory services more accessible to individuals and companies operating in mining communities.

Mr Armah-Kofi Buah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, made the announcement at Nkroful during the launch of six cooperative mining societies in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.

The cooperatives comprise Nkroful-Atomic, Kikam, Salma, Asanda, Bomoakpole and Nzema-Akropong.

Mini

Beyond the decentralisation of licensing, the Minister disclosed that the new mining legislation would introduce a requirement for mining companies to enter into Community Development Agreements with communities affected by their operations.

The agreements, he explained, would establish legally recognised arrangements between mining companies and communities located within their mining lease areas.

The proposed framework is intended to strengthen the relationship between mining operators and host communities while ensuring that mining activities contribute to local development.

Mr Armah-Kofi Buah stressed that mining companies must operate responsibly and respect the boundaries of their approved concessions.

He cautioned the newly established cooperatives against extending their operations into unauthorised areas, warning that such activities could undermine efforts to address illegal mining.

Cooperative mining to replace illegal operations

The Minister described the cooperative mining initiative as an alternative to illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has caused extensive damage to farmlands, forests and water bodies across the country.

He urged members of the newly inaugurated societies to apply the knowledge acquired through their training and adopt practices that would protect the environment.

According to him, the objective is to promote responsible mining activities that provide economic opportunities without compromising the country's natural resources.

The cooperatives were therefore encouraged to comply with the applicable mining regulations and ensure that their operations remain within legally designated areas.

Minerals Commission pledges regulatory oversight

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Joseph Anyimiah, assured the cooperatives that the Commission would monitor their activities to ensure compliance with the relevant mining laws and regulations.

He also reminded the operators of their responsibility to reserve a portion of the proceeds from mining activities for land reclamation and community development.

The measure, he indicated, would help ensure that communities benefit from mining activities while providing resources to rehabilitate areas affected by operations.

The Ellembelle District Chief Executive, Joseph Armah Agyekum, also called for collective efforts among mining operators, traditional authorities and residents to protect farmlands, forest reserves and water bodies.

He emphasised the importance of cooperation in ensuring that economic activities within the district do not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.

The Chief of Nkroful, Nana Kwasi Kutua V, who chaired the ceremony, commended the Lands Minister for his commitment to addressing environmental degradation and restoring lands and water bodies affected by mining.

The announced licensing reforms form part of efforts to bring mining regulation closer to local communities while encouraging greater compliance with environmental and operational requirements.