Illegal mining concessions easier to obtain than lawful ones in Ghana – Prof Frimpong-Boateng

Former Environment Minister Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng has criticized Ghana's mining licensing system, stating that it is more straightforward to obtain a concession unlawfully than legally. He attributes this issue to the alleged influence of politicians, traditional leaders, and security personnel. During a lecture on September 2, 2026, Frimpong-Boateng emphasized that the cumbersome legal process for acquiring mining concessions has made illegal operations more appealing, eroding enforcement and eroding public trust in state institutions.

To address this, he proposed a streamlined licensing system backed by accurate geological data, mercury-free processing equipment, and reclamation bonds paid prior to licensing. Additionally, he suggested placing forest reserves and river bodies outside the mining licensing system, asserting that small-scale mining could be effectively regulated without abolishing it.