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The minister-designate for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has assured Ghanaians that no new mining activities will be permitted in forest reserves if his nomination is approved.
Speaking during his vetting by the Parliamentary Vetting Committee on Monday, January 27, 2025, Mr. Buah outlined the government’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable resource management as a top priority.
“We have said that there will be no new mining activities in forest reserves,” he affirmed. “The intention is to ensure that L.I. 2462 is amended to remove provisions that allow mining in reserves.”
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Mr. Buah highlighted the critical role forest reserves play in protecting Ghana’s environment, adding that halting mining in these areas is a necessary step to safeguard biodiversity and combat environmental degradation.
If confirmed, amending Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 to prohibit mining in forest reserves will be one of his first major initiatives. “My first activity will be to ensure that there will be no new mining activities in forest reserves,” he reiterated.
This policy, he explained, is part of a broader effort to prioritise environmental preservation and ensure sustainable use of Ghana’s natural resources.
Mr. Buah’s firm stance reflects growing concerns over the environmental impact of mining activities in forest reserves, which have often led to deforestation, water pollution, and loss of wildlife habitats. His proposal signals the government’s determination to halt future encroachments on forest lands for mining purposes.
Environmental groups and stakeholders are expected to closely monitor the minister-designate’s efforts, should he assume office, as Ghana grapples with the balance between resource extraction and environmental sustainability.
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