Ghana proposes reducing mining lease durations to 20 years

The Government of Ghana is proposing significant reforms to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) to enhance transparency, regulation, and the contribution of mineral wealth to national development.

According to Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Dr Yusif Sulemana, the proposed changes include reducing the maximum duration of mining leases from 30 years to 20 years. Additionally, the government plans to consolidate reconnaissance and prospecting licenses into a single exploration license, which would be capped at a five-year period.

Dr Sulemana stated that the current system allows companies to hold concessions for extended periods without clear end dates, which can block other credible investors from accessing mineral ground. The reforms also aim to decentralize the Minerals Commission's operations, moving services away from the central hub in Accra to improve regulatory effectiveness and accessibility.