The Minority in Parliament says it will summon the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to explain reports that miners could be allowed to operate without licences and regularise their activities later.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said the caucus was concerned about comments attributed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, suggesting that miners operating outside restricted areas could begin work while arrangements were made to formalise their activities.

Speaking at a Leaders’ Media Briefing on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Afenyo-Markin said the Minority would seek to have the Lands Minister appear before Parliament to clarify the government's position.

Is Sammy Gyamfi claiming galamsey can be done at Jubilee House? – Minority asks

He argued that the reported position could conflict with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which sets out the legal requirements for mining operations in the country.

“The Minerals and Mining Act 2006, Act 703, admits no exception, and registration and regularisation must never become an amnesty,” he said.

According to the Minority Leader, Section 82(1) of the Act requires a licence to be obtained before a person undertakes small-scale mining operations.

The caucus is therefore seeking clarification on whether the government's approach to formalising small-scale mining activities is consistent with the existing law.

Afenyo-Markin said the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, should not be reduced to a political contest, urging both sides of Parliament to work together to protect the country's natural resources.

He warned that the country's rivers and forests should be a shared national concern, regardless of political differences.

“Our rivers and forests are not partisan,” he said.

The Minority Leader said the caucus would pursue the matter in Parliament and demand an explanation from the minister on the government's position and how it intends to ensure that mining activities comply with the law.

NA/BAI