Shocking Revelation: 962 Small-Scale Mining Licences Found Invalid – Deputy Lands Minister
In a startling revelation, Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Alhaji Yussif Sulemana, has disclosed that 962 out of 1,278 active small-scale mining leases across the country have been found to contain serious irregularities.
The disclosure was made during a high-level stakeholder engagement with the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs on July 18, 2025. The meeting focused on a review of the 2014 Mining Policy and proposed amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
The Deputy Minister was responding to concerns raised by Offinsohene, Nana Dwamena Akenten II, regarding a controversial mining lease allegedly granted for operations in his traditional area.
Hon. Sulemana clarified that no new mining leases have been issued since the current government assumed office, emphasizing that any such document presented to traditional authorities is “fake and forged.”
“We have revoked all mining leases that were issued after December 7, 2024,” the Deputy Minister declared. “Any lease presented to you for mining activity is not genuine. It is fake.”
He further explained that a comprehensive audit of all small-scale mining licences was conducted, revealing that only 316 leases were valid, with the rest either improperly issued or lacking key documentation.
According to him, the findings are part of a broader national effort to sanitize the mining sector, protect community lands, and ensure responsible mineral resource governance.
“The report on the review is ready and will soon be submitted to the Office of the Minister. Once received, appropriate actions will be taken to address the irregularities and enforce accountability,” Hon. Sulemana assured.
The announcement has sparked intense interest among chiefs, civil society, and environmental stakeholders, who have long called for greater oversight of Ghana’s small-scale mining industry.
irregular mining licences in Ghana
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