As part of efforts at combating the illegal mining menace in the country, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has with immediate effect revoked all mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024.
According to the ministry, these licences were granted without due process, making their cancellation necessary.
“Now, we are going full steam ahead to revoke all licences based on the findings. Even all licences it’s mostly licences that were issued from December 7 that is hereby revoked, whether you have EPA licences or not, because the finding is very clear. Those licences from December 7 were rushed. Review processes were not followed; the right things were not done,” he stated.
Also the ministry has henceforth disbanded all community mining schemes and replaced it with small scale cooperatives. The change in name is to ensure that the objective for its implementation is achieved whilst also contributing to the fight against galamsey.
Addressing the media in Accra on Wednesday, the sector minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah pointed out that the decision is aimed at tackling the widespread environmental degradation of forest reserves and water bodies caused by illegal mining activities.
He also disclosed that seven out of nine forest reserves affected by illegal mining have been successfully reclaimed.
Story: Eric Boateng
