The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced a new initiative to restructure Ghana’s small-scale mining sector, ensuring compliance with legal and environmental standards.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, March 19, the minister revealed that the government has established a Technical Small-Scale Mining Review Committee to oversee sector operations.

Chaired by the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the committee will conduct a comprehensive review of all small-scale mining licenses nationwide.

“The committee is tasked with auditing all licenses to verify their proper acquisition, adherence to due process, and compliance with environmental regulations,” he stated.

“They will assess how mining activities impact water bodies, forest reserves, and land preservation while ensuring that all permitting fees and regulatory requirements from agencies like the EPA, Minerals Commission, and Water Resources Commission have been met.”

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices while curbing illegalities in the sector.