Michael Edem Akafia
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has called on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to expedite the approval of outstanding exploration permit applications, warning that prolonged delays could undermine future mining investments.
Speaking at the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting in Accra on Friday(5 June), outgoing President Michael Edem Akafia acknowledged efforts to improve permit approval timelines but noted that several applications remain pending despite applicants having made the required payments.
According to the Chamber, an ageing analysis of applications shows that some exploration permits have remained unresolved since 2009.
Mr. Akafia said the delays are hampering exploration companies’ ability to raise capital and develop concessions, posing a threat to Ghana’s pipeline of future mining projects.
The Chamber has therefore appealed to the Ministry to fast-track the approval of all outstanding applications to support investment and growth in the sector.
