The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has refuted claims that the current government has issued an excessive number of mining licences.
He clarified that he has faced criticism for not approving enough licences to meet the industry’s needs.
In an interview with Citi FM on Tuesday [Oct 8 2024], Mr Jinapor responded to allegations that over 1,400 licences have been granted since late 2022, stating, “First of all, that is false. I can give you the data.”
He explained that the licensing process is thorough, requiring multiple signatures to uphold regulatory standards.
“To approve one small-scale mining application, the minister has to secure six signatures,” he said. “The process itself is cumbersome.”
Mr Jinapor acknowledged that some in the industry have criticized the slow approval process, arguing that it has stunted the growth of the small-scale mining sector.
“That has been my biggest headache,” he admitted, referring to the delays in granting licences.
He stressed that issuing licences does not equate to endorsing illegal mining, or galamsey, saying, “Even if a licence is given, if the regulatory agency doesn’t monitor how the mining is done, it can still lead to galamsey.”
Mr Jinapor also highlighted that formalizing the sector through licensing is essential, as it allows for legal operations within a regulated framework.
He recognized the ongoing issues of illegal mining, particularly in forest reserves, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling these challenges through better regulation and collaboration with stakeholders. Legal mining operations, he added, are also required to restore any environmental damage they cause.
He called for continued dialogue between civil society groups, industry players, and the government to ensure sustainable mining practices in Ghana. “We need everyone’s support,” he said.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to responsibly managing the country’s mineral resources while promoting lawful mining activities.