Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, the Minister-designate for Lands and Natural Resources, has assured Ghanaians that no new mining operations will be allowed in forest reserves under his leadership, should his nomination be approved by Parliament.
During his vetting by the Appointments Committee on Monday, January 27, 2025, Mr. Buah emphasized the government’s strong commitment to environmental conservation and the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources.
“We have said that there will be no new mining activities in forest reserves,” Mr. Buah declared. “The intention is to make sure that L.I. 2462 is amended to ensure that the provision allowing for mining in reserves is not in place.”
The minister-designate emphasized the importance of legislative reform as a key part of his strategy to protect Ghana’s natural resources. He stated that revising Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 would be his top priority upon taking office.
If you give me the chance, my first activity will be to ensure that there will be no new mining activities in forest reserves,” he reaffirmed, emphasizing the government’s resolve to safeguard forest lands against future encroachment for mining purposes.
Mr. Buah also committed to aligning with a broader government strategy focused on prioritizing environmental preservation, amid increasing concerns about the impact of mining on Ghana’s ecosystems. He stated that his firm stance signals a move toward stricter regulations to safeguard the country’s remaining forest reserves.
