Government moves to review Minerals and Mining Act to strengthen regulation

The Government of Ghana is undertaking a review of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) in an effort to strengthen regulation, transparency, and sustainable management of the country's mineral resources. Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Dr Yusif Sulemana, announced proposed reforms that include reducing the maximum duration of mining leases from 30 to 20 years and consolidating reconnaissance and prospecting licenses into a single exploration license, capped at five years.

These changes aim to make the regulatory regime more efficient and open opportunities for other credible investors. Additionally, the government is decentralising the operations of the Minerals Commission, moving away from excessive centralisation in Accra and bringing services closer to stakeholders. The newly commissioned Ashanti Regional Office of the Minerals Commission in Kumasi will serve as a major centre for the Commission's regulatory oversight activities in the Ashanti Region and parts of the middle belt, featuring a "one-stop shop" design with modern office accommodation, specialised laboratory services, and a public education museum.

Brief written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.