The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has stressed the importance of initiating a new licensing regime at the district level as part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing governance and sustainability within the mining sector.

The Minister on Monday, March 19, 2025, announced the revocation of all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024, citing irregularities in the issuance process.

Read also: Lands Minister revokes all small-scale mining licences issued after December 7, 2024

In an interview on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, March 22, he highlighted that this shift is essential for improving oversight and ensuring that local communities are actively involved in the licensing process.

“This part of the reform also involves what we are going to do, and it is part of the recommendation I have,” he explained.

According to the Minister, the proposal seeks to decentralise the licensing process, allowing decisions to be made at a more localised level, where the impact of mining activities is most directly felt.

“The licensing regime must begin at the district level, and that’s why we are proposing the creation of district community licensing committees, made up of members from the District Assemblies (DISEC).”