Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah outlines vision for sustainable resource management during vetting

Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister-designate for Lands and Natural Resources, appeared before the Appointments Committee on Monday, January 27, 2025, to outline his vision for managing Ghana's lands, forests, and mineral resources.

With an agenda focused on sustainability, transparency, and community involvement, Mr. Buah pledged bold reforms and initiatives to safeguard Ghana's natural wealth while driving economic growth.

In addressing the committee, Mr. Buah expressed a firm commitment to protecting state and public lands. “I will jealously protect State and Public lands, and if we have to sell them, it must be done in a way that ensures the people are not short-changed,” he stated. He emphasized the need for a thorough review of Ghana's mining licensing regime, promising a system that prioritizes fairness, environmental sustainability, and economic value for the nation.

On the issue of green minerals such as lithium and cobalt, Mr. Buah called for a transformative approach. “We must add value to these minerals. If any company is not ready to add value, it’s better to leave them in the ground,” he asserted, underscoring his focus on maximizing Ghana’s gains from its mineral wealth.

A critical aspect of his vision involves fostering trust and collaboration between large-scale mining companies and host communities. According to Mr. Buah, “There must be mutual respect and a win-win situation.” He proposed a paradigm shift in managing new mineral discoveries, ensuring that Ghana secures a more significant share of the benefits.

Mr. Buah also addressed the urgent need for environmental restoration, pledging swift action to combat illegal mining and reclaim degraded landscapes. “It is illegal to mine in water bodies, and we’re going to combat it with the people,” he declared. To this end, he announced plans to train water guards tasked with protecting Ghana's rivers and lakes. “They must understand that they’re fighting for the soul of our country,” he added.

The minister-designate unveiled three key initiatives—Blue Water, Tree for Life, and Restore Ghana—that aim to rejuvenate the country’s forests and restore its biodiversity. He also reiterated his commitment to enforcing a ban on new mining activities in forest reserves, vowing to review and enforce Legislative Instrument 2462 to support this decision.

Community mining schemes will also undergo significant reforms under Mr. Buah’s leadership, with an emphasis on transparency and local involvement. He highlighted the importance of recategorizing small-scale mining to ensure better monitoring and supervision, acknowledging that illegal mining directly or indirectly involves approximately three million people across 12 regions in Ghana.

Mr. Buah assured the committee of his dedication to balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. “The government will restore biodiversity and ensure sustainable forests. These are critical issues that will engage my full attention,” he said.

Mr. Buah’s vision, anchored in transparency, sustainability, and community participation, promises to set a new tone for managing Ghana’s lands and natural resources, ensuring that the country’s wealth benefits both current and future generations.