The Minerals Commission has introduced a stricter three-step clearance process for mining in Ghana, making it clear that holding a mining lease alone no longer grants the right to commence operations.

Mr Isaac Andrew Tandoh, Deputy Chief Executive of the Commission responsible for small-scale and industrial minerals, said on Citi FM on Monday, April 22, 2025, that companies were now required to obtain three distinct approvals before starting any mining activity.

These include an environmental permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a water use permit from the Water Resources Commission, and an operational permit from the Minerals Commission.

“Just having the licence alone is not enough for people to commence mining. But what we have seen is that as soon as a permit is granted, people jump to conclusions and start mining, which in itself amounts to illegalities,” Mr Tandoh stated.

The new procedure follows recent anti-galamsey operations which led to the arrest of 51 individuals, including eight Chinese nationals, and the seizure of 30 excavators in the Tonton Forest Reserve. Five weapons were also retrieved during the operation.

Mr Tandoh disclosed that over 150 excavators had already been seized nationwide this year as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining, known locally as ‘galamsey’.

“This government will not relent in its fight against galamsey to restore our water bodies and forests,” he said.

Although the recent raid was primarily led by security personnel, Mr Tandoh confirmed the Commission was fully briefed and involved.

“I was with the Minister when the action actually began. So, I have been in the know from inception to when the operations were concluded,” he noted.

He further revealed that internal investigations were underway following reports of collusion between illegal miners and some officials of the Forestry Commission.

According to Mr Tandoh, an undercover probe uncovered evidence that “some officials paid with taxpayer money are part of this syndicate.”

He added that the Minerals Commission itself was also conducting internal checks to weed out any staff who might be complicit in the illegal mining network.

Mr Tandoh rejected suggestions that the crackdown was politically motivated, particularly in response to questions regarding Akonta Mining’s alleged political links.

“Whether NPP or NDC, it doesn’t matter. State institutions must do their jobs to protect Ghana’s environment,” he said.

He also indicated that the President had given full backing to the enforcement measures.

Calling for collective national resolve, Mr Tandoh said, “If Ghanaians don’t unite against galamsey, we’ll lose this fight. It’s for humanity, the next generation, and the land our forefathers left us.”

The updated verification system is expected to fill the gaps that previously allowed mining firms to operate without completing all necessary documentation, particularly in environmentally sensitive zones such as forest reserves.

Mr Tandoh also mentioned that the Attorney-General’s Office has been advised to initiate legal proceedings against individuals found engaging in illegal mining, especially those operating in forest reserves.

These new measures follow other recent developments, including the reassignment of 38 police commanders in areas heavily affected by illegal mining.