Accra: Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has announced that the government will end the long-standing practice of granting unlimited renewal periods for mining concessions. This decision aims to break the cycle of speculative land-holding that has hindered active mineral exploration across the country, a system he described as problematic and counterproductive to national development goals.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Buah made this announcement at the 98th Ghana Chamber of Mines Annual General Meeting in Accra over the weekend. Under the current framework, some concession holders have retained their licenses for 25 to 30 years without any significant exploration or investment activity. The Minister criticized this practice, noting that some holders were indefinitely renewing their permits while awaiting foreign investment, a situation that the government intends to stop.
Mr. Buah explained that unlike the current model, the oil and gas industry requires renewal applicants to demonstrate progress against previously stated work programs and financial commitments. The proposed changes, now before Cabinet and set to head to Parliament, would impose strict accountability requirements on concession holders to prevent indefinite landholding while waiting for investors.
The new law will initially grant a three-year concession period, followed by up to four additional years through renewals, contingent on meeting obligations and commitments. If a concession holder fails to meet their obligations within the specified timeframe, their license will be revoked and reassigned to another operator ready to develop the asset.
Mr. Buah emphasized that these reforms were developed through extensive stakeholder consultation, with supporting data and historical evidence shared with industry players before finalizing any policy changes. The proposed changes are part of a broader overhaul of Ghana's legal mining framework, including a review of the Minerals and Mining Act 703 and the National Mining Policy, both currently before Cabinet.
He expressed confidence that the revised legislation would enhance regulatory efficiency, strengthen accountability, improve environmental protection, and increase Ghanaian participation in the mining sector. The government is committed to maintaining Ghana as a competitive and attractive investment destination, with the concession reform expected to bring clarity and discipline rather than discourage investment.
Mr. Buah assured that industry stakeholders, traditional authorities, civil society organizations, and local communities would be engaged throughout the legislative process to ensure the revised legal and policy framework reflects a broad national consensus. He called for support from the Ghana Chamber of Mines in closing policy gaps and strengthening enforcement, describing the partnership between government and the mining industry as crucial for building a responsible, resilient, and transformative sector.
On the issue of illegal mining, the Lands Minister declared that the government's fight against this menace "will not turn back," pledging to address lapses firmly while ensuring responsible mining practices. The goal is to enable mining activities without harming water bodies and the environment, safeguarding resources for future generations.
He also mentioned that the government is tightening enforcement in the small-scale sector with robust regulation and initiatives like the 'Tree for Life' to reclaim degraded lands.