Accra: The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced a significant overhaul of Ghana's Mining Act, Act 703. This move is aimed at reshaping the management and execution of mining operations within the country.
According to Ghana Web, the minister detailed these transformative reforms during a working visit by the Vice President to the ministry on January 27, 2026. The changes focus on decentralizing decision-making processes and ensuring that local communities play an integral role in the mining activities conducted in their areas.
One of the key reforms introduced is the establishment of district mining committees. These committees will act as the initial authority for mining approvals, ensuring that decision-making is rooted at the community level. Buah explained, "Before the Minerals Commission and the EPA in Accra grant licenses, that authority must start at the district level, from the traditional authorities and local communities where the mining will take place. These district mining committees will make recommendations."
Under the new system, mining applicants will need to engage with local stakeholders and secure their recommendations before the Minerals Commission issues any licenses. This change aims to ensure that mining activities do not adversely affect water bodies or forest reserves. "People who want to mine will not be able to go to a site for the first time after obtaining a license in Accra. No, they must first engage local stakeholders, obtain recommendations, and demonstrate that their intended mining site is not near a water body or forest reserve," Buah highlighted.
Additionally, the overhaul introduces a medium-scale licensing category, expanding the existing framework to promote responsible mining practices and increase participation in the sector. Buah noted, "We are changing that completely. Previously, we had only small-scale and large-scale licenses. We are now introducing a medium-scale licensing category to broaden the scope and give people the capacity to operate responsibly."
The minister also stressed the government's dedication to environmental protection, announcing the revocation of LI-2462. "We have completely revoked LI-2462, and that is a message this government is sending to the people of Ghana: there will be no mining in forest reserves or water bodies, and we will all work together to keep our waters blue and our forests green," he stated.