The Lands and Natural Resources Minister-designate, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has reiterated the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining head-on.
Appearing before the Appointment Committee of Parliament chaired by the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, on Monday, January 27, 2025, Kofi Buah emphasised that there will be no new mining activities in forest reserves if his appointment is approved.
He added that there is a need for decisive action to protect forest reserves from mining activities.
He noted, “We have said that there will be no new mining activities in forest reserves, and 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”.
He further stated that the incumbent government’s declaration is an indication of prioritising environmental preservation as a key aspect of his agenda.
The Lands and Natural Resources Minister-designate also elaborated on his plans to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources, stressing that the amendment of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 would be one of his first major steps if approved by Parliament.
“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 added.