These licenses include 21 small-scale mining licenses, prospecting licenses, and mining support service licenses.
Data from the Ghana Mining Repository reveals that over 100 mining-related licenses were issued during former President Akufo-Addo’s final week in office.
Out of the 103 licenses granted in 2025, 102 were approved between January 1 and January 6, before President John Dramani Mahama’s swearing-in.
Under the current government, however, only one mining-related license has been issued so far this year.
This issuance brings the total number of active mining licenses across the country to 2,127.
The development has raised concerns, especially amidst public outrage over illegal mining’s impact on forests and water bodies. Illegal mining has also significantly affected cocoa production, reducing output and failing to meet buyer demands.
Presidential Candidates Sign National Pact Against Illegal Mining.
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG), had invited all the presidential candidates contesting the 2024 elections to sign the National Pledge of Presidential Candidates against illegal and irresponsible mining.
Before the election, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the coalition explained that political leaders, civil, traditional authorities and local communities had to fight against the ‘galamsey’ menace. They emphasized that the National Pact signing is a step in that direction. The coalition said it believed the initiative would shape a new social contract with the people of Ghana, inspiring collective action and creating a legacy of environmental stewardship for future generations.
Parties that signed on to the pact included the National Democratic Congress (NDC), The New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), the Movement for Change, the All Peoples’ Congress (APC), and an independent candidate, George Twum-Barimah-Adu.
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey comprises of the media, organized labor, religious groups, youth organizations, academia, civil society, traditional leaders, and business organizations to fight illegal mining in Ghana.
