The Government has announced sweeping reforms across the mining and natural resources sector in the 2026 Budget, with a renewed focus on combating illegal mining, improving mineral governance, and strengthening value addition in the extractives industry.
The Budget describes illegal mining—popularly known as galamsey—as an “existential threat” to Ghana’s environment and national security. As part of efforts to curb the menace, key water bodies and forest reserves have been designated high-security zones, attracting continuous protection by a 1,000-member security deployment.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), which coordinates enforcement activities across security agencies and regulators, received significant attention in the Budget. The Secretariat has so far seized 51 excavators, 4 heavy-duty trucks, and over 350 water pumps, while 33 foreign nationals involved in illegal mining have been arrested and handed over for prosecution.
In addition to enforcement, government announced the abolition of VAT on mineral exploration to boost investment in the mining sector. The Minerals and Mining Policy (2014) and Act 703 are also under review to strengthen regulation, improve transparency, and introduce a new artisanal and medium-scale mining category to better structure operations.
In the gold industry, the Ghana Gold Board is set to implement a Gold Traceability System in 2026 to ensure transparency and curb illicit trade. The sector recorded 81.7 tonnes of gold exports worth US$8.1 billion between January and October 2025, with government projecting further growth.
Furthermore, the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) has secured six bauxite mining leases as part of efforts to fully operationalise the Integrated Aluminium Industry, while GIISDEC works on a national scrap metal policy and traceability system.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been allocated GH¢1.229 billion to support regulatory strengthening, forest protection, and ongoing sector reforms.
The 2026 Budget positions natural resources as a major pillar for growth, with government emphasising responsible mining, value addition, environmental protection, and community involvement as essential to maximising the sector’s contribution to national development.
By: Christian Kpesese
