The Minority in Parliament is preparing to bring the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, before the House to clarify reports that small-scale miners may be allowed to begin operations before obtaining the necessary licences.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin announced the move during a parliamentary leaders’ media briefing on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, following remarks attributed to Ghana Gold Board Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi.
According to the Minority, the reported comments suggest that miners operating outside restricted areas, including forest reserves and water bodies, could be permitted to work while arrangements are made to regularise their activities.
The caucus says it wants the minister to explain whether this represents the government’s official policy and how such an approach would comply with existing mining legislation.
Mr Afenyo-Markin argued that the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), requires operators to secure licences before undertaking small-scale mining activities.
“The Minerals and Mining Act 2006, Act 703, admits no exception, and registration and regularisation must never become an amnesty,” he said.
He warned that allowing miners to operate before obtaining authorisation could weaken enforcement and create room for illegal mining to continue under the guise of formalisation.
The Minority Leader also called for bipartisan cooperation in addressing galamsey, insisting that protecting the country's natural resources should be a shared national responsibility.
“Our rivers and forests are not partisan,” he said.
The proposed parliamentary engagement is expected to provide an opportunity for the Lands Minister to clarify the government's position and explain how its small-scale mining formalisation plans align with the law.
