… Call for broader reforms CAGG welcomed government’s plans to amend the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), but stressed that any revised law must include stronger safeguards for forests, water bodies and mining communities. …
… The full charge sheet, dated October 6, 2025, reveals that Wontumi, his company Akonta Mining Limited, and a third accused person who remains at large are being prosecuted under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 201 …
… Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, presiding over the Criminal Division of the High Court, found Mr Antwi-Boasiako guilty of charges including the unlawful assignment of mineral rights and purposely facilitating unlicensed mining operations, contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 …
… Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 has been in force for nearly two decades and requires an overhaul to provide an updated, coherent and forward-looking legal framework for the sector, Buah told a news conference in Accra. …
Cabinet has approved proposed amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), including a provision to reduce the maximum duration of mining leases from 30 years to 20 years. …
… The Deputy Minister added that the government will soon lay before Parliament a bill to amend the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), with the proposed changes aimed at modernising Ghana’s mining laws, shortening the licensing process and strengthening the legal framework fo …
… He said Ghana became Africa’s leading mining investment destination under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which provided certainty for investors. …
… Mr Tandoh highlighted ongoing government reforms, including the review of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), revision of the 2014 Minerals and Mining Policy, introduction of a progressive Minerals (Royalties) Pricing Schedule Regulation, and measures to strengthen fisca …
… Companies commit billions upfront with payback periods stretching decades, relying on the legal framework in place at the time of investment, a framework that, under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), provides clear procedures for lease renewal subject to stipulated con …
… The meeting was held on the theme: ‘How Can Responsible Mining Accelerate Ghana’s Development?’ Mr Kofi Buah disclosed that the review of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as well as the National Mining Policy, was at an advanced stage and would soon be submitted to Pa …
Former Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abdulai Jinapor credited Ghana's significant gold export earnings in 2024 to the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, under which large-scale mining companies were required from November 2023 to sell 20 per cent of their refined gold to the Bank of Ghana before exporting the remainder, while licensed small-scale miners and Community Mining Schemes were required to sell to the government through the Precious Minerals Marketing Company.
Former Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abdulai Jinapor credited Ghana's significant gold export earnings in 2024 to the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, under which large-scale mining companies were required from November 2023 to sell 20 per cent of their refined gold to the Bank of Ghana before exporting the remainder, while licensed small-scale miners and Community Mining Schemes were required to sell to the government through the Precious Minerals Marketing Company.
Ghana's Minerals Commission has demarcated 13 blocked-out areas across the country for allocation to Ghanaians interested in small-scale mining, aiming to provide legal concessions and curb illegal mining activities that threaten the environment.
Ken Ashigbey, convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, has accused some Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies of facilitating illegal mining by collecting fees from galamsey operators, arguing that such practice raises questions about local authorities' commitment to fighting illegal mining and may expose officials to criminal liability under Ghana's mining laws.
Adamus Resources Limited has agreed to develop a plan to settle outstanding liabilities to the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Minerals Income Investment Fund, and financial institutions as part of a 12-month roadmap to restore operations at the mine. A six-member management team with three government and three Adamus representatives will supervise the turnaround.
The government will form a six-member management team comprising three representatives from Adamus Resources and three from government to supervise the company's mining operation turnaround under a 12-month roadmap agreed at the presidency. This follows the government's revocation of three of the company's mining leases and aims to restore operations at the indigenous large-scale mine.
An opinion piece argues that Ghana should establish Regional Tribunals despite past military-era tribunals committing human rights violations, saying proper constitutional safeguards can prevent such abuses. The author contends that historical concerns, while understandable, should not prevent Ghana from using an institution recognised by the Constitution if adequately regulated.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Wontumi), a former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP serving a 20-year sentence for facilitating illegal mining activities, sought bail pending appeal. The High Court adjourned his application to October 15, 2026, due to the indisposition of the judge scheduled to hear it.
The government has upheld the revocation of Adamus Resources' mining leases covering the Akango, Salman and Nkroful concessions in the Western Region, citing alleged breaches including unauthorised arrangements and regulatory infractions. Adamus has rejected the allegations and announced its intention to challenge the decision, arguing the process did not comply with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006.
A retired miner has argued that the government's revocation of Adamus Resources' mining leases should not be reversed simply because the company is Ghanaian-owned, and that local companies must comply with mining laws at the same standard as individuals charged with galamsey.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources says the revocation of Adamus Resources Limited's mining leases was a regulatory action due to breaches of mining laws and financial obligations, not a prelude to selling the company or its assets. The Minerals Commission identified violations including mining outside designated areas without required permits.
Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has clarified that its April revocation of Adamus Resources Limited's mining leases, following Minerals Commission findings of breaches of mining law and financial obligations, is not intended to facilitate the sale of the company or its assets. The revocation concerned the Akango, Salman and Nkroful mining leases in the Western Region.
Adamus Resources Limited has rejected the government's decision to uphold the revocation of its mining leases, accusing the Lands and Natural Resources Minister of abusing his powers and disregarding procedures under Ghana's Minerals and Mining Act, 2006. The company describes the allegations against it as "unfounded, contrived and deliberately manufactured" and says the revocation was unlawful.
During a state visit, Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema praised Ghana's mining reforms for improving transparency and governance, saying they position Ghana as an example for African countries seeking greater economic benefits from mineral resources. He highlighted the importance of local processing of natural resources, noting that both countries are pursuing policies to move beyond exporting raw materials.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), an aspirant for NPP national chairmanship, has not yet decided whether to continue his campaign following a recent jail sentence. His campaign manager said the team will consult with the NPP General Secretary and other stakeholders within a week to determine the way forward.
The Minority in Parliament has called for equal enforcement of Ghana's anti-illegal mining laws and urged the Court of Appeal to closely review the trial that led to the conviction of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako. The Minority criticized selective application of justice in the fight against galamsey and called on the Attorney General to publish the state's enforcement record across the political spectrum.
Lands and Mines Watch Ghana welcomed the Accra High Court's conviction of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) and Akonta Mining Company Limited for unlawful mining activities, and urged stronger action against illegal mining. The group said the judgment reinforces that Ghana's mining laws apply equally to all persons and companies regardless of political status.
Civil society group Lands and Mines Watch Ghana welcomed the conviction and sentencing of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and Akonta Mining Company Limited by the Accra High Court, calling it a landmark moment that reinforces the equal application of Ghana's mining laws regardless of political status.
John Darko, Lead Counsel for the Minority Caucus, has criticized the High Court's conviction of former NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, arguing the prosecution failed to establish that Wontumi transferred his mining concession to persons engaged in illegal mining, and contending the court misinterpreted the Minerals and Mining Act by criminalizing a transfer that the law merely renders invalid.
The Lead Counsel for the Minority Caucus has criticized the High Court's conviction of former Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), arguing that the prosecution failed to establish that Wontumi transferred his mining concession to persons engaged in illegal mining and that the court misinterpreted the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, which he contends renders such a transfer invalid rather than criminal.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has objected to the 20-year prison sentence handed down to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) on two counts under the Minerals and Mining Act, alleging procedural irregularities including denial of counsel and selective prosecution, and vowing to appeal to higher courts.
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey disputes the government's assertion that the era of impunity is over in illegal mining, arguing that persistent lawlessness across mining hotspots and inconsistent enforcement demonstrate the battle remains unresolved. The coalition acknowledged progress by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources but insists that sustained, uniform enforcement across all regions and against all operators is needed to protect forests, rivers and mining communities.
The Accra High Court has convicted Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, on all six charges under the Minerals and Mining Act in connection with illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The charges allege that Wontumi and his company Akonta Mining Limited permitted mining operations without ministerial approval and facilitated unlicensed mining in 2024.
The Accra High Court has convicted NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako on all six charges of illegal mining on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region, including unlawful assignment of mineral rights and facilitating unlicensed mining operations contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006.
Ghana's Cabinet has approved amendments to its mining law for submission to parliament, aimed at increasing oversight of the sector and curbing illegal mining. The revised law seeks to strengthen local content, improve linkages to manufacturing, establish district mining committees, and replace reconnaissance and prospecting licences with a single five-year exploration licence.
Cabinet has endorsed proposed amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 that reduce the maximum duration of mining leases from 30 years to 20 years and introduce Community Development Agreements. The revised Bill will be submitted to Parliament for approval as part of broader efforts to strengthen mining sector governance.
The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has advocated for mandatory reclamation bonds for mining licence holders and additional engineers in mining districts to strengthen environmental protection and regulation. He reported that 29 of the Auditor-General's recommendations have been fully implemented and 25 others addressed, while the government is deploying more EPA officers and establishing community mining committees.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines says uncertainty over lease renewals, not high tax rates, is the greatest threat to Ghana's competitiveness as Africa's leading mining investment destination. The Chamber urged government to guarantee security of tenure for mining leases to attract long-term investment, noting that investors prioritize certainty over lease renewals more than tax levels given mining's capital-intensive nature.
The Minerals Commission CEO reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening mineral resource governance through evidence-based policymaking, transparency and strategic partnerships at the inauguration of the Institute for Mineral Resources Investment and Governance (IMRIG) at UMaT. He highlighted ongoing reforms including review of the Minerals and Mining Act and introduction of progressive royalties pricing regulation aimed at improving transparency and strengthening local content.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources announced that the government is implementing regulatory reforms to accelerate mining sector growth and strengthen Ghana's position in West Africa. The review of the Minerals and Mining Act and National Mining Policy is at an advanced stage and will soon be submitted to Parliament, with reforms aimed at improving regulatory efficiency, enhancing environmental protection, and increasing community participation.