Over 100 Mining Licenses Issued in Final Week of Akufo-Addo’s Government
Concerns Grow Over Environmental Impact as Mining Licenses Surge Before Government Transition
- Of the 103 licenses issued in 2025, 102 were approved between January 1st and January 6th
- This leaves only one license issued under the current government.
- The licenses include 21 small-scale mining licenses, prospecting licenses, and mining support services licenses.
In the final week of former President Akufo-Addo’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, over 100 mining-related licenses were granted, according to data from the Ghana Mining Repository.
Of the 103 licenses issued in 2025, 102 were approved between January 1st and January 6th, just before President John Dramani Mahama was sworn in.
This leaves only one license issued under the current government.
The licenses include 21 small-scale mining licenses, prospecting licenses, and mining support services licenses.
As a result, the total number of active mining licenses across the country has risen to 2,127.
This surge in mining licenses comes at a time when there are increasing concerns over the detrimental effects of illegal mining, particularly its impact on the environment.
The destruction of forest reserves and water bodies has become a major issue, affecting crucial export commodities like cocoa.
Reports indicate that Ghana saw its lowest cocoa production in over two decades during the last season, resulting in a drop in foreign exchange earnings and making it harder to meet international demand.
