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Ghana to cap mining leases at 15 years – Minerals Commission CEO

Ghana will no longer issue 30-year mining leases, with the maximum duration for any mining lease to be set at 15 years, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, has announced.

Speaking at a roundtable organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) in Accra yesterday, Mr. Ayisi said the decision aligns with government policy aimed at increasing local ownership and control of the mining sector. “This does not mean all mining companies will get 15 years.

The 30-year mining lease regime in the country is not helping us at all, and we cannot continue to keep it in our laws,” he said.

He justified the move by noting that 30-year leases are uncommon globally, citing countries such as Kenya, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali, where mining leases range between 15 and 25 years.

The Minerals Commission CEO explained that the new approach is designed to foster a more robust and sustainable mining sector capable of contributing to national prosperity.

Mr. Ayisi revealed that the decision followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including the 15 Regional Houses of Chiefs, the Ghana Chamber of Mines, the Forestry Commission, civil society organisations, and other mining experts.

He added that all engagements are expected to conclude by the end of August, with a final policy document to be submitted to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources by September.

He expressed hope that by October, a new mining policy will be announced, and any necessary amendments to the mining law would be forwarded to Cabinet and Parliament, ensuring Ghana has both an updated mining policy and law before the end of the year.
Among the key proposals, Mr. Ayisi highlighted capping the term for prospecting licences at a total of nine years, with no more than two renewals after the initial three-year period.

He said this change aligns with international practices and will curb abuses associated with indefinite licence durations under Act 703.

Present at the roundtable were notable figures, including former Chief Justice and Council of State member Sophia Akuffo, former Minerals Commission CEO Benjamin Aryee, Professor Jerry S. Y. Kuma, Advisor to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, and Dr. Eric Oduro Osae, Senior Fellow at the IEA.