Lands and Natural Resources Minister-designate, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has attributed the degradation of Ghana’s forest reserves to political favoritism rather than the actions of reputable mining companies.
Speaking during his vetting on Monday, January 27, 2025, he highlighted that political figures granting favors to illegal miners have led to unchecked destruction within the country’s protected forest areas.
“These reputable mining companies operating in our forest reserves are not the cause of the extensive damage we are witnessing today,” he stated. “The real issue lies in the political apparatchiks who have taken control of our forests and are destroying them.”
He assured Ghanaians that under his leadership, no new licenses would be issued for mining activities within forest reserves, emphasizing the urgent need to end the ongoing environmental destruction.
“Our forest reserves have been excessively damaged, and it is time to put a stop to these activities. We will not open ourselves up to further harm,” he said.
Outlining his strategy to address illegal mining, Mr. Buah hinted that the three key initiatives he will pursue would be the Blue Water Initiative that aims to protect water bodies and ensuring their sustainability; the Tree for Life Initiative, focused on reforestation and restoring Ghana’s biodiversity; and the restoration of the Ghana Program, a comprehensive effort to revive the ecological balance of the nation’s forests.
“These measures will help end illegal mining in our forests, restore biodiversity, and protect the ecological life of our reserves,” he added.
He emphasized his commitment to halting further damage and vowed to safeguard the country’s natural resources for future generations.
