Ing Wisdom Gomashie has cautioned the government on the revocation of 278 mining licenses
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has revoked 278 small-scale mining licenses nationwide, citing violations of mining regulations and expired operational permits.
The decision, announced by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, on Thursday, October 23, forms part of the government’s renewed effort to bring order and accountability to the small-scale mining sector.
However, mining engineer Ing Wisdom Gomashie has cautioned that while the initiative is commendable, the process appears flawed and could expose the state to “costly legal and political consequences.”
In a statement, Gomashie commended the Lands and Natural Resources minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah for continuing the fight to sanitize Ghana’s mining sector but warned that “failure to follow due process could trigger lawsuits and unrest.”
‘It was a clerical error’ – JAPP rejects AG’s $2m overpayment allegation
According to the Minerals Commission, the revocations were based on regulatory breaches and expired licenses, however, Gomashie insists some concessions were granted as recently as December 2024, suggesting several holders may have been wrongly targeted.
“A license granted after a certain December 7 is not enough grounds to revoke or terminate same, in line with Regulations 211 and/or 251 of L.I. 2176.
“Any such revocation will lead to numerous legal suits and possible judgment debts on government. A dangerous precedent,” he said.
He added that the Minerals Commission failed to give written notice or the mandatory 120-day grace period under Regulation 251(3).
“My checks reveal that this was not done. Ghana is a country of rule of law.”
Gomashie also questioned fairness in enforcement, noting that foreign-owned firms often get time to correct breaches, while local miners are “simply shut down.”
“We cannot seem to be applying the same law differently on these scales of mining and expect the small-scale sector to get formalized overnight,” he said.
He urged the Ministry to review the revocation list, publish the basis for each decision and uphold transparency.
“Resource governance cannot thrive in secrecy. Let’s work together to make Ghana’s mining industry a great one,” Gomashie concluded.
FKA/AM
Dr Zanetor departs Jubilee House after notifying government of mother’s passing
The wait is over! The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially launched. Let’s Celebrate impact, innovation and excellence across Ghana.
Who deserves to be honoured this year?
Nominate now 👉 https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate