+233 030 277 1318
+233 030 277 2783
info@mincom.gov.gh
Minerals House
#12 Switchback Road
Residential Area
Cantonment - Accra
GL- 060 -1131
Minerals Commission Pitched Proposed Review of Ghana’s Mining Policy and Mining Laws with the National Development Planning Commission.
Minerals Commission Pitched Proposed Review of Ghana’s Mining Policy and Mining Laws with the National Development Planning Commission.
June 19, 2025 and as part of the ongoing stakeholder consultation process, the Chief Executive Officer of Minerals Commission, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi (Esq.) led the Review Committee of the 2014-Mining Policy and proposed amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) in an engaged with the management of National Development Planning Commission (NDPC). The team from the Minerals Commission included the Board Chairman, Mr. William Ntow Boahene (Esq.); Professor Jerry Samuel Yaw Kuma, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources; Ms. Victoria Awuni, Deputy CEO responsible for Policy Planning, Mineral Titles & Local Content; including the members of the Review Committee led by Mr. Benjamin Aryee, Former CEO of the Commission.
The Director General of NDPC, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah led management of the Commission to receive and engaged with the team from the Minerals Commission. Dr. Audrey and the technical team of NDPC admonished the review committee to consider aligning the structure of the policy to the Policy Guidelines of NDPC to ensure consistency with the prescriptions of the Commission. Management of NDPC also proposed for the consideration of the committee to incorporate a Strategic Implementation Plan and an M&E Framework to obtain regular feedback for future policy review and amendments.
Mr. Ayisi requested management of NDPC to consider submitting detailed written proposals in two weeks for the consideration of the review committee. Management of both institutions were excited about the engagement and reckon to work even closer into the future.
<<<END>>>
Minerals Commission Engages the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) On Policy and Legal Reforms
Minerals Commission Engages the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) On Policy and Legal Reforms.
As part of the ongoing engagement on the review of Ghana’s 2014-Minerals & Mining Policy and the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), Minerals Commission at separate events, engaged with a cross section of members of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) at Eastern Premier Hotel in the Eastern Region and at the Golden Beam Hotel in the Ashanti Region.
The Minerals Commission is the government agency responsible for regulating the mining industry, promoting investments and providing policy advice on all matters relating to minerals and mining in Ghana. The Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) sub-sector provides over one million direct and indirect job opportunities for the people of Ghana. Also, the ASM sub-sector has over the last few years undergone significant transformation and in particular contributed greatly to gold production.
According to the Bank of Ghana and the GoldBod export figures for the first quarter, 2025, indicates the ASM sub-sector accounted for 52.1% of total gold exports from the country. Therefore, the Commission considers the ASM sub-sector critical for the development of the Ghanaian economy.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman for the occasion and Technical Advisor to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Prof Jerry Samuel Yaw Kuma admonished the association to actively engaged the resource persons and carefully scrutinize the proposed amendments to help enrich the policy and the law to ensure it stands the test of time.
The first part of the program witnessed the presentation by Mr. Benjamin Aryee on the Draft Reviewed Policy Document, which is anchored on emerging global trends such as the issue of climate change and transition minerals, challenges arising from the implementation of the current mining policy over the last decade, and the new policies of government, highlighting the importance of small-scale mining to the economy of Ghana, among others.
The second part of the program witnessed the presentation on the proposed amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). This was led by the Manager responsible for legal, Mr. Josef Iroko.
During discussion, members of GNASSM expressed concerns over delays in the issuance of ASM licenses and appealed to the sector Minister to address the situation. In response, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Kuma informed the members of government’s priority to decentralize the processing and issuance of small-scale licenses at the District offices of the Commission. He said government has that as part of the major reforms of the sector.
The GNASSM members entreated Management of the Commission to provide clear qualification criteria for the intended mid-tier mining stream in the country. The miners emphasized the adoption of realistic policies to ensure that their members in good standing and with potential be upgraded to Medium Scale Mines as part of government’s priority. “With the advent of Medium Scale Mining, it is envisaged that mining bonds will be put into classes to enable our members comply with the requirements”, said by a miner.
The issue of support for women in mining was raised, highlighting the need to put in place provisions to deal with their concerns. They advocated for consideration of the Policy Review Committee for incentives to support the few women in the business of mining and to encourage other women into the industry.
Though within the purview of EPA, the miners raised concerns over the omnibus requirement for posting Reclamation Bonds for mining and called for reconsideration to vary same based on the size of concessions.
It emerged that legal backing for large scale mining lease holders to retain rights over their concessions, whilst their renewal applications are being considered, the ASSM mining lease holders often are vulnerable losing their concessions to some Chiefs as a result of delays in processing their renewal applications. This called for a proposal to incorporate amendments to grant ASSM lease holders equal rights, whilst their renewal applications are pending consideration.
GNASSM and its members in the Eastern and Ashanti Regions were encouraged to submit written proposals through their leadership for the consideration of the Mining Policy Review Committee.
The Committee is scheduled to engage with members of GNASSM in the Upper East, Upper West and Savanna Regions in Tamale. Also, those in the Central, Western North and Western Regions in Tarkwa.
In attendance were officials from the Commission, namely Mr. Nelson Ahedor, Director of Small-Scale & Industrial Minerals, Dr. Ahmed Tijani, Manager, Corporate Affairs & IT, Mr. Paul Dawson, Manager, Ashanti Region among others.
Public Consultations Commence for The Revision of the 2014 Minerals and Mining Policy and the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703)
Public Consultations Commence for The Revision of the 2014 Minerals and Mining Policy and the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703)
The current Minerals and Mining Policy was adopted in 2014. The Minerals and Mining Act of 2006 (Act 703) has also been in force for nearly twenty years. Following the 2024 elections and the election of the National Democratic Congress with a manifesto which has set out its policy on mining, emerging global trends such as the issue of climate change and transition minerals, challenges arising from the implementation of the current mining policy over the past decade, the importance of small scale mining to the economy of Ghana among others, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has commenced a review of the 2014 Mining Policy and Act 703.
The Minerals Commission, which is an agency of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and primarily responsible for the regulation of the mining sector is consulting with industry, experts and other stakeholders on the review of the 2014 mining policy and Act 703.
The Commission is inviting the public to submit inputs for consideration into the ongoing review of the Mining Policy and the Act.
The inputs received will play a critical role in shaping Ghana’s approach in managing the sector and ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for the nation’s mineral resource development.
The deadline for submissions is June 4, 2025. Interested parties can participate in the consultation and review process byaccessing the draft review policy and the Act and submitting their responses to info@mincom.gov.gh/ahmed.tijani@mincom.gov.gh or deliver
a hardcopy to:
The Chief Executive Officer
Minerals Commission
12 Switchback Road Residential Area, Cantonments
P. O. Box M248
Accra – Ghana
Digital Address: GL-060-113
453 Trainees Graduate as Blue Water Guards at Ezinlibo Under Government’s Blue Water Initiative
453 Trainees Graduate as Blue Water Guards at Ezinlibo Under Government’s Blue Water Initiative
April 14, 2025, The Western Naval Command hosted the graduation ceremony for the first batch of the Blue Water Guards at Ezinlibo in the Western Region. This marked the successful completion of the first batch of the guards under the Blue Water Guard Initiative under the auspices of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Minerals Commission.
The sector Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), conducted an inspection of the parade mounted in his honour. The Minister stated that the dexterity and spectacular display during the drills by the recruits indicated the level of discipline they had acquired during the four-week training at the Naval Base. He highlighted that the trainees had been drawn from the catchment areas of the riverine communities and have been equipped with essential skills including physical endurance, basic arms handling, combat techniques, survival swimming, watermanship, and boat operations. The Minister admonished them to be the eyes, ears, and frontline defenders of their communities and urged them not to fail in this fight against the wanton destruction of our water bodies, on which our very lives depend.
The Minister warned illegal miners, saying, “I would like to serve a caution to the perpetrators of this dastardly act to stop. Especially, the financiers and faceless individuals engaging in galamsey on our river bodies. Culprits shall be dealt with severely. I respectfully implore each and every Ghanaian to be a Water Guard Volunteer or ambassador in your communities.”
Hon. Buah commended the Naval Base Commanders for the rigorous selection process, and equipping the recruits with relevant skills. He also highlighted a gamut of measures to be rolled out by the Ministry to tackle the menace of galamsey. “To strengthen this initiative, additional speedboats, patrol vehicles, and motorbikes will be procured, enabling the extension of the Blue Water Guards program to the Central, Eastern, Ashanti, Bono, and Savannah regions. Beyond safeguarding our environment, this initiative will create 2,000 direct jobs, empowering Ghanaians while securing our natural heritage,” Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah opined.
The Minister intimated that Ghana generated approximately $4.6 billion from small-scale gold exports in 2024, highlighting the need to expand operations into medium and large-scale mining ventures. He said the Ghana Navy has established Temporary Operation Bases (TOBs) along major rivers in the Western Region, such as Ankobra, Fia, Bonsa, and Downstream Pra, to serve as an immediate and rapid response force to deal with miscreants on the rivers. “You will operate in teams strategically positioned along designated sectors for effective command and control. Daily situational reports, weekly summaries, and quarterly evaluations will be channeled through the Ghana Navy to the Minerals Commission and the Ministry, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement,” he admonished the graduands.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur (MP), emphasized the critical role of fish in providing 60% of animal protein for citizens and its significance in livelihoods. She raised concerns about the increasing depletion of fish stocks in the sea and ocean and the loss of indigenous fish stock, stressing the need for clean water for aquaculture as part of the government’s initiative. Hon. Arthur urged the recruits to perform their duties with integrity, avoid bribery, and protect water bodies, becoming ambassadors for the President’s resetting agenda. “Go and do a good job, don’t accept bribes, and become part of the problem. Go and protect the water bodies and become ambassadors for resetting Ghana,” she admonished.
In his closing remarks, Awulae Attibrukusu III, Paramount Chief of Lower Axim, thanked everyone for their support and expressed his pride in serving as Chairman for the momentous occasion. He urged the trainees to be faithful to their mandate of protecting water bodies and becoming good stewards for Ghana.
Government-Committed-to-Reforming-Small-Scale Mining-Minister Assures-Minerals-Commission-Staff
Government Committed to Reforming Small-Scale Mining, Minister Assures Minerals Commission Staff
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reforming the small-scale mining sector. During his maiden visit to the Commission on April 7, 2025, the Minister emphasized the need for stronger regulations, community engagement, and sustainable practices to combat illegal mining and revitalize the industry.
The Minister called for an overhaul of the licensing regime and a review of the outdated 2014 mining policy. He proposed that prospecting licences should be granted exclusively to government agencies like the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to lead geological investigations. Hon. Buah advocated for the decentralization of small-scale mining registration and recommended a “bottom-up approach” to the licensing process. He commended Mr. Ayisi for his exemplary leadership, particularly the significant expansion at the Regional and District levels of the Commission. He highlighted enhanced collaboration with agencies like the Environmental Protection Authority, Water Resources Commission, Traditional Authorities, and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to improve the registration process. As part of the broad strategy to reform the mining sector, Hon. Buah said the government intends to sanction MMDCEs whose communities are involved in illegal mining based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to be set.
He further mentioned that enhancing oversight and community involvement requires the deployment of drones and advanced technology to monitor mining activities and track compliance in real-time. There is a need to ensure sustainable and responsible mining practices so that local communities and the state continue to benefit from mining while protecting the environment.
The Minister also engaged with staff and addressed concerns relating to the mining sector, such as policies to deal with illegal mining, the licensing approval process, and staff welfare, among others.
Mr. Martin Kweku Ayisi, CEO of MINCOM, welcomes Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to the Commission
On Monday, April 7, 2025, Mr. Martin Kweku Ayisi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Commission, welcomed Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, to the Commission. This meeting was the maiden and formed part of the Minister’s working visit to engage with the management and staff of the Commission.
The CEO warmly welcomed the Minister and his entourage, expressing his excitement at the privilege of hosting the team. Mr. Ayisi briefed the gathering on the general overview of the mining sector’s performance in the Ghanaian economy. He highlighted that gold alone contributed about USD11.5 billion in export revenue as of December 2024, with 40% coming from small-scale mining.
During the staff durbar held in honour of Hon. Buah, issues pertaining to staff welfare, sanitizing small-scale mining activities, and reforming the licensing regime, among others, were discussed. The Minister assured management and staff of his commitment to ensuring that mining is conducted in a sustainable and responsible manner. He emphasized the need for collective effort and alignment with the government to achieve the Ministry’s mandate of resetting the mining sector and tackling the environmental dangers posed by illegal mining activities.
400-River-Guards-Recruited-to-Boost-Ecological-Conservation-in-Western-Region
400 River Guards Recruited to Boost Ecological Conservation in Western Region
Monday, March 17, 2025, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and Member of Parliament for the Ellembelle Constituency, inaugurated the Blue River Guards. The ceremony took place at the Naval Base, Ezinlibo in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Support Services at the Minerals Commission, stated that the Blue Water Initiative aims to rehabilitate polluted water sources and transform affected areas into hubs of ecological and economic recovery. Mr. Anyimah emphasized that “Today’s gathering is not just a ceremony; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that our rivers-our-lifelines are under threat”. He noted that the inauguration of the Blue River Guards marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to sustainably preserve its natural resources for both present and future generations. He encouraged the Blue River Guards to be dedicated to duty and adhere to the training protocols. Highlighting the role of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Anyimah said, “We are to provide regulatory support, technical guidance, and oversight to ensure the Blue River Guard programme succeeds.”
The Minister, Hon. Buah, emphasized that the Blue River Guards are a crucial component of the Blue Water Initiative. Hon. Buah, admonished the beneficiaries to remain committed to protecting Ghana’s water bodies from pollution arising from the activities of illegal mining. He stressed that the Blue Water Initiative of President John Dramani Mahama, is spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing, and the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology. This collaboration is expected to restore the river and water bodies from the menace of illegal mining. Hon. Buah mentioned that the goal is to recruit and train 2,000 Blue River Guards who will serve as the lifeguards and defenders, protecting and monitoring the health of the river bodies. He further stated that “this initiative is part of the government’s social contract with the citizens of Ghana” and bemoaned the turbidity levels of water bodies, reaching alarming proportions, endangering citizens wellbeing and aquatic lives. The Minister called on all stakeholders to join the fight against the pollution of the river bodies, the depletion of forests cover, and degradation of the environment.
On his part, the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, commended Hon. Buah for undertaking this initiative and pledged to support the successful rollout of the Blue River Guards programme, as it will play a vital role in monitoring and protecting rivers from environmental threats.
Commodore Emmanuel Ayesu Kwafo, Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, expressed joy and emphasized that collective effort is required to combat environmental degradation. He praised the Minerals Commission for the support and urged the 400 recruited Blue River Guards to work hard, discharge their duties with honesty and dedication, and protect Ghana’s water bodies and forest areas.
In his closing remarks, Awulae Agyevi Kwame, Paramount Chief of Nsein Traditional Area, expressed excitement about the initiative and highlighted the need for citizens to rally behind the Ministry to resolve the menace of environmental degradation.
From-Degradation-to-Restoration-Story-of-Reclaimed-Lands-at-Adansi-Fomena-and-Dompoase-In-Ashanti-Region
From Degradation To Restoration: Story Of Reclaimed Lands At Adansi Fomena And Dompoase In Ashanti Region
March 4, 2025, the Minerals Commission organised handing over ceremonies at Adansi Fomena and Dompoase, aimed at the restoration of devastated mined out lands at selected communities in Adansi South District Assembly in the Ashanti Region.
In total, eight reclaimed sites across three locations covering 160.33 hectares (approximately 396.18 acres) of degraded lands was restored. The locations are Domeabra I & II, Adansi Kenya I, II & III at Adansi Fomena, and Nkrankese I, II & III at Dompoase.
The colourful events were held at the palaces of the Paramount Chiefs who chaired the function and accepted full responsibility of the reclaimed lands as custodians. In attendance were the District Coordinating Directors of the beneficiary Assemblies who pledged their support to ensuring that these lands are protected from devastation.
The events were climaxed with the signing of Project Handover Attestation document to officially return the lands to the Chiefs and people of the beneficiary communities.
Reclaimed and Restored-Twifo Atti Morkwa Lands Handed Over to Communities
Reclaimed and Restored-Twifo Atti Morkwa Lands Handed Over to Communities
A handing-over ceremony of reclaimed mined-out lands took place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Twifo Atti Morkwa in the Central Region. The ceremony was held at the palace of the paramount Chief, Oseadieyo Kwesi Kenin IV, who was represented by Nana Kyeahene Afari II, the Adontihene.
The land reclamation project was initiated by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) through the Minerals Commission. The project aimed to restore lands degraded by illegal mining activities. A total of 63 hectares (which approximates to 155.67 acres) of reclaimed lands have been revegetated with oil palm and economic tree species to promote ecological balance and offer sustainable economic benefits to the Kotokyi, Gyeaware I & II, and surrounding communities
The Minerals Commission’s team, led by Mr. Ibrahim Assani, Director of Human Resource and Administration, urged the Chiefs and community leaders to take ownership and responsibility for protecting the reclaimed lands for future generations.
Mr. Steven Agbo, Deputy Manager responsible for Community Relations at the Commission, provided a comprehensive overview of the reclamation project. He highlighted the Commission’s dedication to rehabilitating degraded lands and promoting eco-friendly mining practices. Mr. Agbo emphasized the need for the community to unite and preserve their forest and river bodies against the harmful effects of illegal mining, popularly referred to as galamsey.
Mr. Awal Suhuyini, District Coordinating Director of the District Assembly, expressed his gratitude for the initiative. He pledged to ensure the reclaimed lands are put to judicious use for the benefit of the communities.
In his closing remarks, the Adontihene, Nana Kyeahene Afari II, praised the honor done to his community through this reclamation. He pledged the Chiefs’ commitment to ensuring the reclaimed lands are protected from destruction.
As a show of goodwill and public gesture, a Project Handover Attestation document was signed by the Minerals Commission, the Paramount Chief, and the District Assembly. The document provided a comprehensive overview of the entire reclamation activities and was presented to their representatives.
The successful reclamation of mined-out lands in the Twifo Atti Morkwa District marks a significant step towards environmental restoration and sustainable development.
Minerals-Commission-CEO-Engages-US-Government-Officials-and-Investors
MINERALS COMMISSION CEO ENGAGES UNITED STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND INVESTORS
On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, on the sidelines of Investing in African Mining Indaba, Minerals Commission CEO, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, discussed progress in Ghana’s mining sector. This took place during an industry intel session, under the auspices of The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, focusing on technical cooperation and scientific collaboration between select US government agencies, private sector innovators, and their African counterparts.”
At a private roundtable dubbed “Technical Frontiers and Innovations in Mining Science for the Clean Energy Transition: Examining US-Africa Collaborations”, Mr. Ayisi advocated for the need for increased collaboration in knowledge and technology transfer between African mineral-rich countries, the US government, and American private sector innovators. He highlighted Ghana’s diverse mineral resources and noted that the lack of a centralized geological database hinders the development of mining projects. Mr. Ayisi also stressed the importance of advanced exploration technologies to provide comprehensive geological data on Ghana’s mineral wealth. Furthermore, he expressed concern about the ‘dig-and-dump’ culture prevalent among artisanal small-scale miners.
Mr. Ayisi indicated that as a means of securing sustainable knowledge and skills exchange, the Minerals Commission is sponsoring sixty (60) staff members to specialize in various mining courses at renowned universities worldwide, including Colorado School of Mines, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology, all in the US. This he intimated is critical in building the capacity of the Commission to effectively discharge its regulatory authority in the ever-growing and evolving mining industry.
Mr. Ayisi also admonished investors to prioritize mineral processing in response to the emerging policy shift of Ghanaian government for value addition to all the country’s mineral resources. The mineral beneficiation policy of Ghana is aimed at enabling the country harness the full potentials and benefits of its natural resources.
In attendance was the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr. Sulemanu Koney and the Manager of Corporate Affairs & IT at the Minerals Commission, Dr. Ahmed Tijani
