Ghana's Lands Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced the revocation of all small-scale mining licenses issued after the 7 December 2024 general elections, in a bid to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to devastate the country's environment.

The move comes after a joint review involving several key state agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Minerals Commission, the Forestry Commission, and the Water Resources Commission, found numerous breaches in the issuance of recent licenses. According to the Minister, the findings are clear - these licenses were rushed through without following due process or adhering to proper procedures.

In addition to the license revocation, the government has also seized equipment confiscated from illegal mining sites, which will be repurposed if investigations confirm they were used in unlawful operations. The Minister noted that the government is working with the Attorney General to explore ways to fast-track the prosecution of illegal miners.

The government's efforts to combat illegal mining have yielded some success, with seven out of nine forest reserves that had been encroached upon by illegal miners successfully reclaimed. The Minister assured that the remaining two reserves will be reclaimed soon, and that the government is committed to taking firm and transparent action against illegal mining.

However, the government's approach to addressing illegal mining has been met with skepticism, with the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, questioning the seriousness of the administration's efforts. The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, responded by pointing fingers at the previous administration, highlighting the complexity of the issue.

The renewed crackdown on illegal mining comes amidst growing public pressure for the government to take decisive action against the practice, particularly in rivers and forest reserves. Environmental activists and civil society groups have repeatedly called for greater accountability, stronger enforcement, and a long-term sustainable solution to the galamsey crisis.

The move is seen as a significant step towards addressing the environmental and social impacts of illegal mining, which has been a persistent problem in Ghana. The government's commitment to combating galamsey is crucial in protecting the country's natural resources and ensuring a sustainable future for its citizens.

As the government continues to grapple with the complex issue of illegal mining, it remains to be seen whether this latest move will have a lasting impact on the industry. One thing is clear, however - the fight against galamsey requires a sustained and collective effort from all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the private sector.