Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah Announces Major Mining Reforms and Intensified Crackdown on Illegal Mining

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has unveiled a comprehensive suite of reforms to Ghana’s mining and land administration sectors, signaling a significant shift toward community-centered governance and environmental restoration. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, the Minister declared that the "era of impunity" regarding illegal mining (galamsey) is over. Central to these reforms is a proposed amendment to the Minerals and Mining Act of 2006, which would reduce the maximum duration of mining leases from 30 years to 20 years and mandate that mining firms secure formal recommendations from host communities before their licenses are processed. These changes aim to ensure that Ghanaian citizens and local communities derive more direct benefits from the nation’s mineral wealth.

Under the revised policy, mining companies will be required to sign Community Development Agreements (CDAs) to fund local projects, moving away from previous systems where such support was largely discretionary. The reforms also introduce District Mining Committees to enhance local participation and consolidate various licenses into a single five-year exploration license to prevent speculation. While the government views these measures as vital for sustainable growth, some political figures, including Suame MP John Darko, have warned that the 20-year lease cap could deter foreign investment and reduce Ghana’s competitiveness against regional neighbors like C te d’Ivoire. Despite these concerns, the Minister emphasized the success of the Responsible Community Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in formalizing small-scale operations and confirming high-grade iron ore deposits in the Oti Region.

In tandem with legislative changes, the government has intensified field operations to protect natural resources and reclaim degraded landscapes. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) conducted 200 operations in the first half of 2026, resulting in 207 arrests and the destruction of hundreds of illegal mining machines. To protect water bodies, the government has increased the number of Blue Water Guards to 2,069 across eight regions. Furthermore, a geo-fencing system has led to over 3,000 excavators remaining unclaimed at Tema Port, as owners fear monitoring within unlicensed zones. The Minister also highlighted environmental progress, reporting that 1,335 acres of galamsey-degraded land were reclaimed in 2025, with a target of restoring an additional 1,500 acres this year.

Parallel to mining reforms, the Lands Commission is undergoing a digital transformation to streamline land registration. The Strategic Land Administration Reform Project targets a one-month turnaround for land registration through the Enterprise Land Information System (ELIS), a move designed to eliminate the influence of unofficial agents known as ‘goro boys.’ However, the Local Government Service Association of Physical Planners (LoGSAPP) has cautioned that any rezoning of public lands or wetlands must receive Parliamentary approval to remain lawful. These administrative shifts occur amidst high-profile legal challenges, including a petition by lawyers for Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako to the Supreme Court seeking an interpretation of the Minerals and Mining Act, arguing that certain sections may be unconstitutional.

As Ghana moves toward these more stringent regulations, the government maintains that a collective effort from traditional authorities, security agencies, and the public is necessary to protect the country’s heritage. The transition to more transparent, digital, and community-focused management of natural resources is intended to restore public trust and ensure ecological sustainability. With the revised Minerals and Mining Bill awaiting parliamentary approval, the coming months will be critical in determining how these policies impact both the investment climate and the ongoing battle to preserve Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies for future generations.