The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has announced plans to overhaul the operations of the Minerals Commission and reform its current licensing system.
In a strong warning to commission staff regarding the indiscriminate issuance of licenses to small-scale miners, he emphasized that such practices will no longer be tolerated.
The minister revealed that a new, more structured bottom-up approach will be implemented to regulate the licensing process.
Mr. Armah Buah made these statements during his official visit to the Minerals Commission, marking his first visit since taking office, where he met with both management and staff.
He stated, “We ran our campaign on the promise of resetting Ghana, and that includes resetting the Minerals Commission. Anyone who stands in our way should start packing because we won’t tolerate it,”
He also expressed concern over the flagrant disregard for the law by small-scale miners, pointing out that even after obtaining a prospecting license, they continue to dig indiscriminately, even near water bodies.
He emphasized the importance of Minerals Commission officials acting like law enforcement to ensure proper environmental protection practices.
“You must change the way you operate at the Minerals Commission. We need individuals who are committed, have integrity, and can stand firm for the future of Ghana,” Hon. Armah Buah urged.
