By Felix Cofie
The Minerals Commission Ghana has announced a temporary suspension of all new mineral rights applications submitted through its online portal, as part of efforts to streamline and improve the country’s mineral licensing system.
In a statement issued to the public, the Commission indicated that the suspension will take effect from March 20, 2026, and remain in place until June 19, 2026.
The directive affects applications across key categories, including small-scale mining, industrial minerals, and large-scale mineral rights. During this period, no new submissions will be accepted via the Mineral Cadastre Portal.
According to the Commission, the temporary closure will allow for a comprehensive clean-up of the Mineral Cadastre Register. The exercise is expected to address existing backlogs and ensure that all pending and unprocessed applications currently in the system are properly reviewed and completed.
The move forms part of broader institutional reforms aimed at enhancing fairness, transparency, and accountability in the administration of mineral rights in Ghana.
Stakeholders in the mining sector, including prospective applicants and industry players, have been advised to take note of the directive and cooperate fully during the period of suspension.
While acknowledging the inconvenience the measure may cause, the Commission expressed confidence that the exercise will ultimately improve efficiency and strengthen the integrity of the country’s mineral licensing framework.
