The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), has inaugurated a Large-Scale Mining Audit Committee to address irregularities in Ghana’s mining sector and strengthen oversight of the industry.
The move forms part of government’s broader reforms aimed at tightening mining regulations and transforming the institutions that enforce them.
Speaking at a brief ceremony, Kofi Armah Buah said government had made strides in streamlining the small-scale mining sector and was now prioritizing the large-scale industry.
“This is a very critical area, and we must ensure that all irregularities and challenges are tackled head-on. On behalf of President Mahama, I urge you to work with us to sanitize the industry,” he said.
The Audit Committee’s mandate includes reviewing exploration rights, land tenure agreements, environmental and social compliance, safety permits, resettlement approvals, and fiscal obligations such as royalties and taxes.
The minister emphasized that community participation must be central to the licensing process, warning against the neglect of stakeholder engagement.
“Communities must be heard. How can they know what is happening when their voices are ignored? This is what the whole process is about,” he added.
The Minister also underscored the importance of a stronger Minerals Commission, describing the audit as the first step in eliminating illegalities in the mining sector.
“We are determined to completely transform the Minerals Commission, and this audit is the beginning of that transformation,” he declared.
The inauguration comes at a time when the government is intensifying efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainable practices within the mining industry, a key contributor to Ghana’s economy.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
