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Lands Minister Collaborates with Minerals Commission to Engage Western and Western North Houses of Chiefs on Revision of Mining Policy and Laws
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources led a team comprising Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Minerals Commission, Mr. Benjamin Aryee, former CEO of the Commission and Chair of the Policy Review Committee to deliberate on the reforms within the mining sector and solicit the support of the Western and Western North Regional Houses of Chiefs as part of efforts to revise Ghana’s mining laws and policy. Discussion focused on restructuring community mining, enhancing environmental protection, and strengthening governance in the sector. This engagement took place on July 11, 2025 at The Grove Essipong Beach Resort in Takoradi.
The ceremony was co-chaired by Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, the President of the National House of Chiefs and Omanhene of Sefwi Anhwiaso, alongside Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief (Omanhen) of the Essikado Traditional Area. In his remarks, Ogyeahoho Gyebi emphasized the importance of Parliament rallying support for the Ministry and the Commission to ensure the passage of these commendable government initiatives and reforms. Nana Nketsia, who hosted the meeting, also commended the CEO of the Commission for his leadership in the fight against illegal mining.
The Minister expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Chiefs for their support since his appointment. “It is both an honour and a privilege to be back home to the land of my birth, and to stand before this revered assembly of our traditional leaders – the custodians of our land, culture, and heritage” he remarked. Hon. Buah emphasised the governments groundbreaking initiative to transition Community Mining into Cooperative Mining by “introducing a structured cooperative model with mini-refineries to empower local communities”. He highlighted measures being rolled-out to safeguard the environment and protecting river bodies from pollution. The Minister stressed the significant role of Chiefs in the licensing process. He also noted that Community Development Agreements are going to be incorporated into the revised law. Hon. Buah reiterated that the fight against galamsey must be well coordinated and the principle of name and shame must be enforced
The proposed changes to the law were presented by Mr. Ayisi, who outlined the government’s plan to recategorize mining into three tiers: small-scale, medium-scale, and large-scale. This recategorization aims to facilitate Ghanaians’ transition into large-scale mining. He also reiterated the introduction of Cooperative Mining that will empower local communities. “There is a proposal to abolish Development Agreements as it has not benefited to the country” he remarked. The CEO emphasised that prospecting licences will be restricted to a maximum of nine years to prevent speculation and accelerate new mine project development.
Mr. Josef Iroko, Manager, Legal of the Commission, highlighted the role of Chiefs under the current law as landowners and discussed the function of Office of Administrator of Stool Lands in the management and disbursement of ground rent to traditional authorities. He clarified how compensation for surface rights and deprivation of land should be administered legally.
On his part, Mr. Benjamin Aryee presented an overview of the mining policy, highlighting emerging trends such as compliance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, climate change, and the use of sophisticated technologies in mining operations.
The Chiefs intimated “we need to treat the root cause of illegal mining by educating our people and resolving land disputes. Our inability to properly demarcate land boundaries has exacerbated the problem”. They pledged to actively support the Minister to achieve the reset mandate in sanitizing the mining sector and enhance environmental stewardship and governance.
After several deliberations the chiefs raised concerns and recommended the following for consideration by the Review Committee:
- Small-Scale District Mining Committee be headed by a Chief and not a District Chief Executive (DCE) for better oversight and compliance to regulations.
- Proper and clear definition of Cooperative Mining and the need to ensure that indigenes and local communities are involved the decision-making process.
- Increased royalties and equity for communities – ensuring mining benefits directly reach indigenes through improved revenue sharing and converting surface rights into equity for mining host communities.
- Social impact development should be incorporated into the mining lease agreement and policy.
- Community Mining has become an albatross for perpetrating illegal mining operations hence.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Buah reassured the Chiefs that the government is committed to collaborating with traditional authorities and local communities to ensure that mining benefits all Ghanaians.
In attendance were officials from the Commission including Dr. Ahmed Tijani, Manager, Corporate Affairs & Information Technology, Mr. Francis Annobil Jnr, Takoradi Regional Manager, along with staff from the Tarkwa office.
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