Mining companies applying for licences in Ghana will be required to secure recommendations from host communities before their applications can be considered by central authorities, under proposed reforms to the country’s mining laws.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said the measure is part of amendments contained in the revised Minerals and Mining Bill, which has received Cabinet approval and is awaiting gazetting before being presented to Parliament.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the minister explained that the proposed legislation aims to create a more transparent and investor‑friendly framework for the mining sector.

A key feature of the Bill is the creation of District Mining Committees, which will give mining communities a formal role in the licensing process.

“Anybody who is going to be engaged in licensing will begin the process with the communities. They will give the recommendations before you come to Accra,” the Minister said.

He stressed that the reform will ensure the concerns and interests of host communities are considered before mining rights are granted.

The revised Bill also seeks to replace the existing survey and prospecting licences with a single exploration licence, valid for a maximum of five years.

According to the minister, the change is intended to curb speculative activities in the sector, where companies acquire large concessions without meaningful exploration or investment.

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Companies holding exploration licences will be required to demonstrate progress on approved work programmes within set timelines or risk losing their concessions.

Under the proposed arrangement, firms will have two years to show progress, with extensions granted up to a maximum of five years. Failure to undertake meaningful exploration within that period will result in licence revocation.

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DR/SA