The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Minerals Commission, is set to decentralize the process of acquiring small-scale mining licenses. This initiative will allow interested individuals to start and complete the licensing process within their respective regions, reducing bureaucratic delays and making legal mining more accessible.
As part of efforts to encourage legitimate small-scale mining enterprises, the government is also working to shorten the waiting period for license approvals. These steps are expected to streamline operations for small-scale miners while curbing illegal mining activities.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in the Upper East Region, the Acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), Sammy Gyamfi, highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting small-scale miners through regulatory reforms.
“He [John Mahama] wants to decentralize the licensing process. We want to bring the license application process closer to every district to make it easier. So very soon, the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources will work on that,” Mr. Gyamfi stated.
Beyond decentralization, the government, through the Minerals Commission, also plans to allocate dedicated mining blocks exclusively for small-scale miners, particularly in the Upper East Region.
“Another way John Mahama wants to support small-scale mining is by zoning and dedicating special areas and concessions for miners, especially in this region. This will ensure that those with legal licenses have access to viable concessions for responsible mining,” he added.
Ghana Gold Board to Provide Equipment and Financial Support
As part of broader efforts to support the small-scale mining sector, the government is set to operationalize the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), a regulatory body that will oversee the buying and selling of gold and other precious minerals. The Board will also work to enhance transparency, efficiency, and fair pricing within the industry.
In addition to its regulatory role, GOLDBOD will facilitate access to critical mining equipment for small-scale miners. The government plans to procure earth-moving machines, drilling equipment, and gold extraction tools, which will be made available to miners at affordable rates. This initiative aims to reduce small-scale miners’ dependence on expensive foreign machinery, strengthening local capacity and ensuring that miners can operate more effectively.
“We know that most of you have concessions but lack the financial means to acquire the necessary equipment. If you want to mine successfully, you need prospecting machines to ensure you are working in the right areas. With the right mining tools, you won’t have to engage in guesswork,” Gyamfi explained.
By providing financial and technical support through GOLDBOD, the government aims to boost small-scale miners’ productivity, improve safety standards, and ensure sustainable mining practices. The initiative is expected to create more jobs in the sector while increasing Ghana’s gold revenue.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
