Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has unveiled a comprehensive 5-pillar strategy aimed at reforming and modernizing the country’s mining industry. The announcement was made by Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah during the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit in Accra, positioning Ghana as a leader in sustainable and responsible mining in Africa.

Ghana’s 5-Pillar Mining Strategy: A Sustainable Roadmap

The new mining strategy focuses on creating a sustainable, legal, and economically inclusive sector, especially for the fast-growing artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) segment, which now accounts for 52.1% of Ghana’s gold exports in Q1 2025.

1. Mining License Reform

The government is overhauling the Minerals and Mining Act to simplify the licensing process, attract new investors, and support formalized small-scale mining.

2. Tougher Enforcement Against Illegal Mining

Ghana is intensifying efforts to eliminate illegal mining, which has caused serious environmental degradation—with over 5,500 hectares of forest impacted. A new Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force and restructured security operations will lead this crackdown.

3. Environmental Recovery & Reforestation

Eight of nine previously degraded forest reserves have already been reclaimed. Ongoing reforestation projects aim to restore biodiversity and protect water bodies affected by mining activities.

4. Stakeholder Engagement & Public Awareness

The Ministry is engaging traditional authorities, lawmakers, civil society, and local communities to promote responsible mining and raise awareness about environmental protection and land stewardship.

5. Alternative Livelihoods and Job Creation

With unemployment driving illegal mining, the government is rolling out programs like the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Program and the 1 Million Coders Initiative to create over 150,000 jobs, particularly for youth and former illegal miners.

Supporting Institutions and Innovation

Key institutions and programs driving this strategy include:

Ghana Gold Board

Minerals Development Fund

Geofencing of Excavators

Blue Water Initiative

Tree for Life Initiative

Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat

Mining in Motion 2025: A Catalyst for Industry Reform

Organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative and supported by the World Bank, World Gold Council, and Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit has become a critical platform for advancing responsible mining and attracting international investment in Ghana’s mineral sector.

“We want to ensure we do mining right,” said Minister Buah, highlighting the government’s commitment to legal, ethical, and sustainable mining practices.