Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has submitted a new mining bill to Cabinet proposing to decentralize the issuance of mining licences. This new legislation would give local communities a significantly greater role in decisions affecting the mining sector.
The proposed bill introduces District Mining Committees. These committees would play a critical role in the mining licence approval process. Consequently, no mining licence would be issued without a recommendation from the relevant District Mining Committee. This change aims to transfer key regulatory responsibilities from central bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission.
This initiative fits into Ghana’s broader efforts to improve governance and accountability in resource management. For years, concerns have grown over the exclusion of host communities from decisions impacting their lands and livelihoods. The current system, primarily operating from Accra, has often led to disputes and environmental degradation in mining areas. By empowering local committees, the government hopes to promote more responsible mining practices across the country.
Speaking at the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in Akyem Kotoku, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah elaborated on the reforms. He stated the new system aims to promote transparency, accountability, community participation, and responsible mining practices. The Minister highlighted the current deficit in community involvement in licence decisions. He stressed that communities must have a meaningful voice in managing Ghana's mineral resources.
These reforms are part of a wider government strategy to strengthen mining sector regulation and combat illegal mining, known as 'galamsey'. Other measures include heightened stakeholder engagement, public education campaigns, and the operationalization of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). The deployment of Blue Water Guards and a new medium-scale mining framework also form part of these efforts. These initiatives collectively seek to improve oversight and encourage sustainable mining.
The proposed decentralization has significant implications for how mining concessions are granted and managed in Ghana. It could potentially reduce conflicts between mining companies and local communities. Investors and mining companies will need to adapt to a system requiring comprehensive local engagement and approval. This change promises a more inclusive and sustainable mining industry. It also places greater responsibility on local governance structures to manage their mineral wealth effectively.