President John Dramani Mahama has called on the Minerals Commission to fast-track the issuance of licences for regulated small-scale mining, stressing the need for a more structured and responsible approach to the sector.

Speaking at the 18th Special Congregation of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa on Saturday, January 31, 2026, the president said properly licensed small-scale mining operations could serve as practical models of best practice in the industry. He explained that such operations would not only promote environmentally responsible mining but also provide hands-on training opportunities for students of UMaT and other institutions, while creating a platform for licensed small-scale miners to learn modern, lawful mining methods.

According to President Mahama, revenue generated from well-regulated small-scale mining could also help reduce the incidence of illegal mining by creating legitimate economic opportunities and strengthening oversight within the sector.

The president further addressed challenges affecting mining research and the proposed mining museum, attributing current funding constraints to changes in financing arrangements.

He explained that resources previously drawn from the Minerals Account Investment Fund had been reallocated following policy adjustments, resulting in reduced funding for such projects.

He assured the university that government is exploring alternative funding options to enable the completion of the research facilities and the mining museum in the near term, recognising their importance to education, research and public awareness in the extractive sector.

On staffing in public universities, President Mahama acknowledged concerns over delays in financial clearance for the recruitment of lecturers, an issue he noted had been raised by several tertiary institutions. He disclosed that the matter has been brought to the attention of the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and expressed confidence that the necessary approvals would soon be granted.

He encouraged graduate students aspiring to academic careers not to lose hope, assuring them that government remains committed to strengthening human resource capacity in universities to support quality teaching, research and national development.