The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, has appealed to paramount overlords in Northern and Savannah regions to support government efforts in tackling illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
The Minister made this appeal when he paid courtesy call on Ndan Ya-Na Abukari the second and Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale the first during a courtesy call to the Gbewa and Jakpa palaces as part of the Minister’s working visit to northern Ghana.
Speaking in Damongo the Minister disclosed that a new mining legislation will soon be presented to Parliament, aimed at boosting local participation and transparency in the sector.
He explained that, the proposed law will establish district mining committees to oversee the approval of mining licences.
“Our communities and districts that have natural resources deserve to be empowered and have a say in decision-making. Very soon, we will present the new mining law to Parliament.”
“When the new law is passed, people traveling to Accra to do their mining licenses will be a thing of the past because the districts will be empowered to issue licenses. This government is fighting illegal mining seriously and we need the support of the chiefs,” he said.
He emphasized that while mining remains a legitimate and critical contributor to the economy, it must be conducted responsibly to safeguard land and water bodies for future generations.
“Government remains committed to supporting the youth through structured and legal mining initiatives, including skills training, provision of equipment, and the creation of designated mining zones under a cooperative framework,” the Minister noted.
He highlighted key interventions such as the Blue Water Guards initiative, aimed at protecting Ghana’s water resources, and called for stronger collaboration with traditional authorities to curb illegal mining and environmental degradation.
Responding on behalf of the Yagbonwura, the Mankpanwura, Jakpa Achorede Borenyi I, acknowledged the rich natural resource base of Gonjaland, including deposits of gold, lithium, and salt.
He commended the government under John Dramani Mahama for efforts to restore the country’s water bodies, noting visible improvements in recent times.
He raised concerns over rising youth unemployment, attributing it as a key driver of illegal mining and logging activities in the area. He urged government to expand opportunities in legal mining and other sectors to ensure sustainable livelihoods for the youth.
The Mankpanwura further assured the Minister of the Yagbonwura’s full support for government policies and reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to national development.
By Christopher Amoako
