“We Will Stand Together with the People of Ghana to Fight Illegal Mining” – Minister Nominee Emmanuel Buah

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the minister nominee for Lands and Natural Resources, has made a firm commitment to tackle illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” through a more collaborative and community-focused approach.

Speaking during his vetting in Parliament on January 27, 2025, Buah described illegal mining as a “serious crisis” that is causing extensive damage to Ghana’s forests and polluting its rivers, which he believes should be prioritised in national efforts for environmental preservation.

“We face a serious crisis with the destruction of our forests and the pollution of our rivers. Illegal mining must be combated,” Buah stated.

He stressed that the fight against illegal mining was not just a matter of political concern but one that should unite all Ghanaians. “We, in opposition, have been very strong on this issue. As Minister, we will stand together with the people of Ghana to fight illegal mining. It doesn’t matter your political affiliation. If you want to mine, there are legal processes to acquire licenses,” he emphasised.

Buah acknowledged that previous efforts to curb illegal mining had faced setbacks, noting the need for a fresh approach. He proposed focusing on educating and engaging the communities directly affected by mining activities.

“We will ensure that the people in mining areas understand that the destiny of their forests and rivers is in their hands. They are the leaders of these areas, and we will empower and respect them while working closely with them to provide support,” he said, underlining that a successful fight against illegal mining requires the involvement of local communities.

To address these concerns, Buah laid out a number of key initiatives that he would pursue if confirmed as minister. One of his main priorities is to formalise community mining, which will involve organising miners into cooperatives and creating designated mining enclaves that can be properly regulated.

“We will work with the Minerals Commission and the Geological Survey Authority to identify mineralised areas where mining can be properly regulated,” he explained, ensuring that any legal mining activities are sustainable and environmentally responsible.

Buah also outlined plans to decentralise the mining licensing regime to make it more accessible to communities across the country. This approach is designed to simplify the process and enable more local participation in legal mining activities.

“We want to empower communities by simplifying the licensing process. At the same time, we will deal ruthlessly with individuals and groups engaging in illegal mining because we would have provided a clear pathway for them to do the right thing,” he added, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement against illegal operations.

Buah’s statements were met with approval from some parliamentarians, who emphasised the importance of strong leadership and decisive action in addressing the illegal mining crisis. His pledge to work collaboratively with local communities and regulatory bodies is expected to form the cornerstone of his approach should he be confirmed in the role.

GOT A STORY?

Contact: +233243201960 or email: manuelnkansah33@gmail.com