North East Chiefs Petition Government to Formalise Mining Activities

Traditional leaders in the North East Region have petitioned the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to formalise mining activities through strategic partnerships aimed at promoting economic development in the region.

The petition, submitted by the Overlord and elders of the area, proposes collaboration among the Traditional Council, government and potential investors to establish responsible and sustainable mineral extraction operations.

The traditional leaders said several companies have held prospecting licences for more than 16 years without commencing mining, resulting in lost economic opportunities and slowing development in the region.

They are therefore urging the government to establish a framework that allows mining operations to benefit local communities while generating tax and royalty revenues for the State.

According to the leaders, formalising gold mining could also help tackle illegal mining, reduce environmental degradation and create jobs for young people, potentially curbing youth migration from the region.

Responding to the petition, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said the proposal aligns with government’s efforts to eliminate speculative licensing in the mining sector.

He disclosed that a new mining bill currently before Cabinet would introduce stricter performance assessments for holders of prospecting licences, including provisions for revoking licences after non-performance reviews.

The Minister said the proposed reforms would ensure that mining concessions are made available to investors who are prepared to commence operations.

Minerals Commission to Assess Mining Concessions

Meanwhile, the Minerals Commission has committed to taking immediate steps on the petition.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Isaac Tandoh, said a technical team would conduct field assessments to establish the legal status of existing mining titles, inspect the concessions and develop an operational framework for the proposed partnerships.

The Ministry and Minerals Commission have also nominated representatives to coordinate the implementation of the initiative.

Government officials and traditional leaders believe the proposed approach could help replace illegal mining with structured and responsible operations, while protecting the environment and creating sustainable economic opportunities for communities in the North East Region.