In the final days of Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, a staggering 102 mining-related licenses were issued, raising concerns about transparency and governance in Ghana’s mining sector.

Data from the Ghana Mining Repository reveals a flurry of activity between January 1 and January 6, 2025, including 21 small-scale mining licenses and 81 prospecting licenses, mining leases, and mining support service approvals.

Notably, 67 licenses were issued on January 1, a public holiday—New Year’s Day. These licenses were granted to 67 different companies, including African Mining Services Ghana Limited, Aky Mining Services Limited, and Afrique Atlantic Services Ghana Limited. On January 6, the administration’s final day, five additional small-scale mining licenses were issued to Joekay Mining and Trading Limited and Isaac Brothers Limited Company for operations in the Western Region.

In total, 92 companies received the 102 licenses during Akufo-Addo’s final week in office. A closer breakdown reveals that on January 2, 11 licenses were issued to eight companies, including small-scale mining permits for BURKUYE TK1 Limited Company, Vicwus Mining Limited, and Mavic Mining. On January 3, 19 licenses were issued, focusing primarily on small-scale gold mining; companies such as Sorbet Investment Ghana Limited and Rio & Co Ltd received 13 of these permits.

Since assuming office on January 7, John Mahama’s administration has issued only one mining license—to Newmont GoldRich Limited on January 19.

The surge in mining-related approvals during Akufo-Addo’s final week has drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding the issuance of dozens of licenses on a holiday. With Ghana’s mining sector critical to the economy, the new administration faces the challenge of restoring public trust while ensuring sustainable and transparent resource management.