Data from the Ghana Mining Repository shows that over a hundred mining-related licenses were issued in the last week of former President Akufo-Addo’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
Out of the 103 licenses issued in 2025, 102 were granted between January 1 and January 6, before the swearing-in of President John Dramani Mahama.
This means only one license has been issued under the current government.
The licenses include 21 small-scale mining licenses, prospecting licenses, and mining support services licenses.
This brings the total number of active licenses across the country to 2,127.
This development is particularly concerning amidst heightened public uproar over the impact of illegal mining on the country, especially the destruction of forest reserves and water bodies.
The mining activities have affected major export commodities such as cocoa, leading to low production and the inability to meet buyer demands.
According to reports, Ghana experienced its lowest cocoa production in over two decades last season, reducing foreign exchange earnings.
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