Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has revealed that a total of 2,748 small-scale mining licences have been reviewed, yet not a single new licence has been issued since President John Dramani Mahama's administration took office.

Mr Kotoko explained that the government’s decision to halt the issuance of new licences is part of a broader strategy to sanitise the mining sector and curb illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.

He made revelations on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday. Watch the video below.

He noted that the review process was necessary to verify the legitimacy of existing licences and ensure that future approvals align with environmental and regulatory standards.

According to him, the government remains committed to stopping galamsey in the country and promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices.