As the government intensifies its efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the small-scale mining sector, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has engaged with key stakeholders in the industry.

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, Armah-Kofi Buah held extensive and productive discussions with the leadership of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM). The small-scale miners applauded the Lands Minister for the strides he has made since assuming his new role.

The comprehensive dialogue covered critical areas such as illegal mining (galamsey), the issuance of mining licenses, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration in the ongoing efforts to sanitize the small-scale mining sector.

Armah-Kofi Buah highlighted the government’s extensive engagement with major players in the industry, emphasizing that licensing reforms have been identified as a key strategy to address the challenges.

He explained the government’s decision to revoke licenses granted after December 7, 2024, citing a lack of due diligence in the rushed issuance process.

“Due to the myriad of problems associated with the current small-scale mining licensing regime, it is crucial to decentralize the licensing of concessions. The process should begin at the district level,” he stated.

The lands minister also underscored the importance of nurturing Ghanaian giants in the mining sector. He revealed that the government has a deliberate plan to build the capacities of local investors, a move aimed at retaining mining revenue within the country and boosting the economy.

Armah-Kofi Buah reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the industry into a profitable venture for those engaged in responsible mining practices.

On his part, the President of GNASSM accused politicians, the police, and the military of being the masterminds behind the galamsey menace. He urged the Minister to adopt a “name and shame” approach to curb the illegal activities.

The General Secretary of GNASSM, Mr. Godwin N. Amarh, outlined the Association’s collaborative efforts with the Minerals Commission, Ghana Water Company Limited, and other agencies to tackle illegal mining.

Mr. Amarh also advocated for stricter regulation of mining equipment imports to ensure that only licensed miners have access to such tools. He assured the Ministry of the Association’s continued cooperation in the fight against illegal mining.Small-scale miners pledge support for galamsey fight as lands minister leads reforms