Story By: Felix Ernest Odamtten / Muhammad Faisal Mustapha….
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has presented a comprehensive mid-year review of his sector’s performance, highlighting government’s commitment to responsible resource management, environmental protection, sustainable mining and reforms within Ghana’s lands and natural resources landscape.
The presentation, delivered under the Government Accountability Series, provided an opportunity for the Ministry to account for its activities during the first half of the year while outlining achievements, ongoing programmes and strategic priorities aimed at strengthening the country’s natural resource governance.
The accountability session forms part of government’s broader commitment to transparency and public engagement, allowing sector ministers to present progress reports, address national concerns and explain policies being implemented to improve the lives of citizens.
In his address, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah emphasised that the Ministry’s vision remains focused on ensuring that Ghana’s natural resources become a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability and long-term national development.
«“Our natural resources belong to the people of Ghana, and our responsibility is to manage them in a way that delivers lasting benefits while protecting the environment for future generations,” the Minister stated.»
The Lands Minister highlighted ongoing reforms within the mining sector, particularly efforts to promote responsible mining practices, strengthen regulatory systems and create opportunities for communities to participate meaningfully in the responsible exploitation of mineral resources.
He reiterated government’s determination to tackle illegal mining activities while supporting legitimate small-scale miners through structured interventions, skills development and cooperative models designed to promote environmentally responsible operations.
«“The future of mining in Ghana must be built on responsibility, innovation and sustainability. We cannot sacrifice our environment today at the expense of tomorrow’s generations,” Hon. Buah noted.»
The Minister also touched on measures aimed at improving land administration, enhancing institutional efficiency and ensuring that land resources are managed transparently for national development projects, investment and community growth.
According to him, effective management of Ghana’s lands and natural resources requires collaboration among government institutions, traditional authorities, private sector actors, civil society organisations and local communities.
The review further highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to environmental restoration programmes, including initiatives aimed at reclaiming degraded lands and protecting Ghana’s forests, rivers and ecosystems from increasing pressures.
Stakeholders have described the accountability engagement as an important platform for measuring government’s performance and ensuring that public institutions remain responsive to the expectations of citizens.
The Minister stressed that sustainable development cannot be achieved without balancing economic growth with environmental protection and responsible resource utilisation.
«“Development must not only be measured by what we extract from the earth, but also by what we preserve for the generations that will come after us,” he said.»
The mid-year review comes at a time when Ghana continues to pursue reforms within the natural resources sector, with increasing attention on sustainable mining, climate resilience and improved governance.
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah assured the public that the Ministry would continue to pursue policies that protect Ghana’s natural heritage while creating opportunities for economic empowerment and national transformation.
As the government continues its accountability engagements, the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry’s performance review provides insight into the progress made so far and the strategic direction for the remaining months of the year.