Ex-Minerals Commission Boss Questions Rapid Approval of 300+ Mining Licenses

Former CEO of the Minerals Commission, Dr. Tony Aubynn, has raised concerns over the swift approval of more than 300 mining applications within a brief period, calling the situation “quite strange.”

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, Dr. Aubynn highlighted the typically lengthy and complex nature of the mineral licensing process. He noted that the law stipulates a maximum of 150 days for full approval—90 days for the Minerals Commission’s assessment and another 60 days for the Minister’s final approval.

“The process of granting a mineral license is very complex and long. The law provides for a maximum of 150 days—90 days for the Minerals Commission and 60 days for the Minister to approve it,” he explained.

He expressed surprise at how 300 applications could be processed and approved in such a short timeframe, considering that even within the legal timeframe of 150 days, some applications remain incomplete.

Dr. Aubynn suggested that while delays in the licensing process are common, particularly at the ministerial level, the sudden surge in approvals raises serious questions.

“It is definitely difficult to complete even one mineral license application within such a short time, let alone 300,” he remarked.

His concerns come amid heightened scrutiny over small-scale mining and its environmental impact. Dr. Aubynn stressed the need for transparency and due diligence in the approval process, warning of possible environmental consequences.

“This is happening at a time when there is heightened concern over the effects of small-scale mining. We don’t even know what types of licenses were granted—whether for large-scale or small-scale operations,” he noted.

He further warned that if these licenses were issued for small-scale mining, the environmental repercussions could be severe, particularly if operations are permitted in forest reserves.

Dr. Aubynn’s comments follow an updated report from the Minerals Commission, revealing that 318 mining-related licenses were granted in the final week of former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration—more than triple the initially reported 102.

The latest figures indicate that 328 mining-related licenses have been issued in 2025 so far. Of these, 318 were approved between January 1 and January 6, just before President John Dramani Mahama assumed office.

This suggests that the new administration has approved only 10 mining licenses so far—an increase from the single license initially reported by JoyNews.

Ghana’s total number of active mining-related licenses has now climbed to 2,246, following a recent update that added 119 new approvals to the previous count of 2,127.

The revised figures have also led to an adjustment in the total number of licenses issued during former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s eight-year tenure, which spanned from January 6, 2017, to January 6, 2025.

Earlier reports from JoyNews estimated that 2,037 mining-related licenses had been granted under his administration, accounting for 95.7% of all active permits at the time. However, the latest data now places this figure at 2,147, reflecting an upward revision of 110 licenses.