The government has officially revoked Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which previously granted the President authority to approve mining in the nation’s forest reserves. The revocation follows the maturation of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Revocation Instrument, 2025, which became law on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, after being laid before Parliament by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. This decisive move forms part of the government’s renewed efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has wreaked havoc on the country’s environment and forest resources. L.I. 2462 had long faced fierce criticism from environmental activists and the general public, who argued that it enabled industrial mining in protected forest areas, undermining conservation efforts and fueling the destructive effects of galamsey. Environmental and civil society groups have welcomed the revocation, viewing it as a significant step toward restoring and safeguarding Ghana’s forest reserves. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, has urged the government to slow down ongoing reforms to mining royalties and intensify engagement with industry stakeholders to safeguard the sector’s long-term sustainability. Speaking at a media soiree on Tuesday, Dr Ashigbey addressed concerns over proposed changes to Ghana’s mining fiscal regime, including adjustments to royalty structures and taxation. He revealed that the Chamber has already initiated discussions with the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources regarding the proposed review of royalties. Dr Ashigbey clarified that the mining industry is not opposed to the introduction of a sliding royalty scale, but emphasized that the timing, thresholds, and broader fiscal context must be carefully considered. “We are not averse to the sliding scale. The challenge is at what point you are putting the sliding scale and the context in which you are putting us,” he explained. While referencing ongoing debates over lithium royalties, the Chamber CEO noted that the gold sector faces more immediate and far-reaching challenges. He cautioned that the government’s proposal to set royalties as high as 11 percent comes at a time when the industry is already contending with high effective tax rates and uncertainties in Ghana’s growth and stabilisation framework. Dr Ashigbey warned that pushing through the reforms too quickly could threaten the sector’s competitiveness and long-term viability. “What we believe should happen is that the government should wait and have more engagement. We should find a sweet spot that ensures the government gets its revenue, while the industry remains sustainable,” he said. He also cautioned that the swift legislative process, including a bill currently before Parliament, could undermine investor confidence if not handled with broader consultation. Dr Ashigbey stressed the need for a balanced outcome that would allow mining companies to grow and hire workers, while also supporting government revenue and job creation across the economy. He called on the government to temporarily slow the legislative process, urging broader dialogue with policymakers, industry players, and other stakeholders. “We need to put a brake on the process, bring all sides around the table, understand the government’s policy rationale and find the best way forward so we don’t jeopardise the sustainable development of the industry,” he concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The recent withdrawal of a lithium mining agreement from Parliament has reignited debate over the country’s mineral royalty policies, following objections from the Majority caucus. The Majority argued that the 10 percent royalty rate negotiated by the Akufo-Addo administration contravened the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2010, which caps royalties for such concessions at 5 percent. The former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Oquaye emphasized that the controversy should extend beyond the debate over whether the royalty rate is set at 10 or 5 percent. He argued that Ghana has long disadvantaged itself by accepting a maximum royalty cap of 5 percent for valuable resources like lithium, gold, diamonds, and bauxite. “It’s very painful to envisage that we have something that has got value. Then we say, when you take this commodity, which has got value, don’t give me more than 5%. But give me anything 5% downwards. That is what the cap means, and who does that? Honestly, we have not been fair to our nation at all,” Prof. Oquaye asserted, adding that Ghana should negotiate for significantly higher royalties, suggesting rates of at least 20 percent, to ensure fair returns from its mineral wealth. The lithium agreement, initially presented to Parliament by Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, concerns the mining of lithium and other minerals in Mankessim, Central Region. The agreement was later revised after Barari DV Ghana Limited, the mining firm involved, requested changes to the lease terms in light of a sharp downturn in global lithium prices, which affected the project’s commercial viability. Prof. Oquaye’s comments have sparked renewed calls for Ghana to re-examine its approach to negotiating mining royalties, with many stakeholders insisting that the nation’s interests must be better protected in future agreements. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has leveled sharp accusations against the NDC government, alleging that its new policy allowing the Gold Board (Goldbod) to purchase gold from small-scale miners is effectively financing illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the 2026 Budget on Thursday, November 27, Afenyo-Markin minced no words in his critique. “This government has surrendered to the galamsey activities. This government has become its enabler,” he declared, arguing that the budget’s provisions contradict the administration’s stated commitment to eradicating illegal mining. Afenyo-Markin pointed to the budget announcement empowering the Gold Board to buy gold from small-scale miners as evidence of state endorsement for unregulated mining. “The NDC government, through the Gold Board, is rather financing it. This is giving it state endorsement,” he said. He further highlighted the dangers faced by those on the front lines of the fight against galamsey. Citing the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS), Afenyo-Markin expressed concern for their safety, recalling the tragedy in which eight members lost their lives en route to launch an anti-galamsey programme. “Today, members of NAIMOS are getting hurt, dead, shot at in a fight their own government has abandoned,” he lamented. The Minority Leader also criticized the government for setting up a Gold Board that, in his view, lacks the mechanisms to trace the origin of gold or verify miners. He warned that such a system invites complicity and undermines enforcement efforts. “If this government cannot trace the gold, it must not buy the gold,” Afenyo-Markin asserted, concluding that the government has failed to show the seriousness or commitment necessary to defeat illegal mining. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Ghana has issued a powerful call for renewed commitment and progressive reforms in the global diamond trade, urging members of the Kimberley Process (KP) to modernise the definition of conflict diamonds and address the evolving challenges facing diamond-producing communities. At the Kimberley Process Ministerial Meeting in Dubai, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), Sammy Gyamfi, delivered Ghana’s official statement. He acknowledged the KP as one of the world’s most successful multilateral initiatives but cautioned that its mandate risked becoming outdated if long-overdue reforms continued to stall. Gyamfi highlighted that while overt armed conflicts in diamond-producing regions have diminished in recent years, many communities still face “the violence of exploitation, dispossession, and exclusion.” He stressed that modern conflict extends beyond traditional warfare, taking new and more subtle forms that must be addressed by the KP. He pointed out that the proposals before the KP to redefine “conflict diamonds” underscore a shared commitment among member states to protect vulnerable groups and uphold the credibility of the global certification scheme. What is needed now, he said, is decisive and collective action. “Consensus is at the heart of the Kimberley Process,” Gyamfi reminded delegates. “But consensus must be a path to progress, not a recipe for paralysis.” He warned that continued failure to agree on reforms would erode the KP’s moral authority and relevance. Advocating for a pragmatic approach, the CEO urged participating countries to seek common ground, listen to one another, and embrace reforms—even incremental ones—that would bolster the diamond supply chain’s integrity while supporting legitimate trade. He cautioned against allowing “the quest for perfection to become the enemy of meaningful incremental reform,” and called on delegates to ensure that history would remember this meeting for choosing renewal and cooperation over stagnation and self-interest. Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with all member states so that the Kimberley Process will continue to evolve, protect communities, promote ethical trade, and address the modern challenges facing the diamond industry. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, has reached a decisive moment in Ghana, with calls for stronger and more aggressive interventions echoing across the nation. At the forefront of this battle is Colonel Robert Narh, National Anti-Galamsey Army Commander and head of the Ghana Army Combat Training School, who has urged the government to authorize bolder actions to bring an end to the devastation caused by galamsey operations. During a recent meeting with small-scale miners in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region, Colonel Narh spoke candidly with journalist Samuel Nana Tawiah about the escalating crisis. He emphasized the military’s readiness to take decisive action, even suggesting that a “shoot and kill” approach could be considered if illegal miners violently resist efforts to halt their operations. However, he was quick to add that such drastic measures would only proceed with explicit government approval. “There are already task forces reclaiming destroyed lands, and soon, Ghanaians will regain their water bodies,” Colonel Narh stated. He called on citizens to support the national effort to end the destruction of Ghana’s environment, adding, “Restoring our environment is a shared responsibility, and we all have a role to play.” Providing a regional update, the Central Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mr. Kwesi Dawood, reported significant progress in the fight against illegal mining. According to Mr. Dawood, more than 1,000 acres of degraded land have been reclaimed in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality alone. These efforts, he explained, are not just about environmental restoration, but also about returning the land to productive use. Mr. Dawood noted a marked decline in the number of people engaging in illegal mining since the reclamation initiative began. In a positive development, there have been no recent reports of water bodies being siphoned for galamsey activities—a testament to the effectiveness of current interventions. “NADMO remains committed to sustaining the momentum and eliminating the menace across the Central Region,” he assured. The human cost of galamsey is starkly evident in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality. According to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. George Anane, over 27 residents have lost their lives after falling into abandoned mining pits left behind by illegal miners. These tragic incidents highlight the urgent need for comprehensive land reclamation and stronger regulatory enforcement. Mr. Anane pledged to intensify the campaign against illegal mining, emphasizing that the ongoing reclamation exercise will help prevent further tragedies while restoring the land for agriculture, housing, and other beneficial purposes. He warned that anyone found mining in protected areas—including forests and water bodies, would face arrest and prosecution. “We are committed to achieving zero galamsey in this municipality by the end of the year,” he declared, signaling a new era of accountability. Colonel Narh’s call for tougher measures has resonated with many in government and civil society, reflecting a growing consensus that bold action is necessary to end illegal mining for good. The current campaign brings together the military, NADMO, local government authorities, and community members in a coordinated effort that combines enforcement, land reclamation, and public engagement. The results are already visible in cleaner water bodies, reclaimed lands, and safer communities. Yet, officials caution that the fight is far from over. Sustained vigilance, public support, and the political will to empower security agencies with the necessary legal backing are all seen as critical to ensuring long-term success. As Ghana presses forward in the battle against galamsey, the stakes could not be higher. Illegal mining has not only devastated the natural environment but also claimed lives and threatened the country’s future prosperity. The government now faces mounting pressure to take decisive action, balancing the need for security with respect for human rights and the rule of law. With continued commitment and collaboration, the vision of a Ghana free from galamsey is within reach. For the communities of Upper Denkyira East and beyond, the promise of restored lands, clean water, and renewed hope offers a powerful incentive to persevere through to the end. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

In a sweeping crackdown on illegal mining, security forces made a decisive move in the Obuasi Municipality on Wednesday, arresting approximately 300 individuals suspected of engaging in galamsey operations. The joint operation, carried out by police and military personnel, targeted several communities notorious for their involvement in illegal mining activities, including Dadwen, Obuasi-Nhyiaeso, and Obuasi-Anwona. The large-scale raid was prompted by a recent attack on officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and journalists, who had been carrying out anti-illegal mining duties in the area. Authorities acted swiftly, assembling a coordinated force to restore order and send a clear message about the government’s resolve to combat galamsey. Before the operation commenced, the Director-General in charge of Technical, COP Dr. Sayibu Pabi Gariba, addressed the assembled security team on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, outlining the mission’s objectives and emphasizing the importance of professionalism and restraint. After the successful operation, all 300 suspects were transported under heavy security to the Kumasi Police Depot, also known as the Police Training School in Patase. There, they will undergo screening and further investigation to determine their individual roles in the illegal mining activities. Authorities have indicated that those found culpable will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The swoop has been hailed as a significant step in the ongoing battle against illegal mining in Ghana, with many hoping it will deter future attacks on officials and signal a renewed commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com