Ghana's Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has declared that his ministry has not received any formal reports of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) issuing permits for mining equipment. This statement was made in Parliament on July 21, 2026. The Minister's comments directly contradict a JoyNews investigation. That investigation alleged some local authorities were facilitating illegal mining, known as galamsey, by authorizing equipment use.
Mr. Buah stressed that excavators, chanfans, and other mining equipment cannot legally operate without proper registration. Operators must register with the Minerals Commission. They must also comply with all statutory requirements governing the mining sector. The Minister highlighted that the ministry has no formal record of MMDAs providing permits or authorizations for such equipment in mining districts. This includes receipts for their operation.
This issue fits into Ghana's ongoing struggle against illegal mining, a significant economic and environmental challenge. Galamsey operations degrade land and pollute water bodies, impacting agriculture and public health. The government has invested substantial resources in combating this menace. However, the alleged involvement of local authorities suggests a deeper systemic problem. This undermines national efforts to regulate the sector and protect natural resources.
Minister Buah cited specific regulations governing mining equipment use. Regulation 1 of the Minerals and Mining (Support Services) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2174), requires registration with the Minerals Commission. This is for anyone intending to use earth-moving or mining equipment for mineral operations. They must register as a mine support service provider to a mining right holder. Furthermore, Regulation 3 of the Minerals and Mining (Mineral Operations—Tracking of Earth-Moving and Mining Equipment) Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2404), mandates registration of all such equipment. It also requires obtaining the necessary mining permit before operation.
Additionally, Regulation 8 of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182), requires a mining lease holder to obtain an operating permit. This permit comes from the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission. Mr. Buah warned that operating equipment without these permits is an offense. It violates Sections 99(7) and 99(8) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995 of 2019.
The Minerals Commission, in collaboration with other state agencies, continues to enforce these regulations. They also engage MMDAs to ensure no unauthorized permits are issued. This proactive engagement aims to prevent local authorities from circumventing established mining protocols. The Minister's statement underscores the government's commitment to a regulated mining environment. It also highlights the complexities of enforcing these regulations at the local level.
The implications of these allegations are significant for Ghana's governance and economic stability. If MMDAs are indeed issuing unauthorized permits, it could lead to increased illegal mining activities. This would further damage the environment and reduce government revenue from legitimate mining. Investors and the public will be watching closely to see how the government addresses these discrepancies. The effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in curbing illegal mining will also be under scrutiny. This situation could prompt a review of oversight mechanisms for local government bodies. It may also lead to stricter penalties for non-compliance within the mining sector.