Lands Minister Buah reveals only two gold export licenses issued since assuming office amid concerns over illegal mining

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has disclosed that only two licenses authorising the export, sale, or disposal of gold connected to large-scale operations have been issued since he took office.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Mr Buah responded to a question from Mr Francis Kwabena Owusu Akyaw, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Juaben, who asked where the Ministry had signed licenses for the purchase and export of gold since the minister assumed his role.

“Mr Speaker, since assuming office as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, I have issued two licenses authorising the export, sale, or disposal of gold in connection with large-scale operations,” Mr Buah stated.

The disclosure comes amid mounting concerns over illegal mining activities and growing public calls for the government to take decisive action to safeguard the country’s natural resources. Observers view the minister’s statement as an effort to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of Ghana’s mineral wealth.