{
  "id": 6049530,
  "title": "Illegal mining concessions easier to obtain than lawful ones in Ghana – Prof Frimpong-Boateng",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/illegal-mining-concessions-easier-to-obtain-than-lawful-ones-in-ghana",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-06T21:58:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/illegal-mining-concessions-easier-to-obtain-than-lawful-ones-in-ghana-prof-frimpong-boateng/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, says Ghana’s mining licensing system has become distorted, making it easier for operators to secure concessions unlawfully than to follow the legal process.",
  "key_points": [
    "Obtaining mining concessions illegally is easier than legally in Ghana.",
    "Proposed solutions include streamlined licensing, mercury-free equipment, and reclamation bonds."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}