The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Honourable Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has embarked on a working tour of the Upper East Region, engaging key stakeholders on mining reforms, community development, and environmental protection.

The visit saw the Minister pay a courtesy call on the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon.Donatus Akamugri Atanga, and later met the Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongo-Raana Kolbilsong Namalteng.

The tour also included inspections of operations at Cardinal Namdini Mining Company and Earl International Group Gold Ghana Limited.

The Minister was accompanied on the tour by the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Sulemana Yusif, Directors from the Ministry, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, and the National Coordinator for the RCOMSDEP.

Speaking at the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, Hon. Buah emphasised ongoing reforms in the mining sector, including plans to introduce District Mining Committees to deepen community participation.

“The whole idea is to give communities a voice from the very beginning whether mining should take place or not”, he said.

He added that government is strengthening legal frameworks and rolling out initiatives such as the Community Development Fund to ensure mining benefits host communities.

The Minister also highlighted efforts to tackle illegal mining through a Responsible Cooperative Mining Programme.

“Mining is legal, but it must be done responsibly. We must guide those operating illegally into proper structures that protect our land and water bodies”, he stressed.

Tongo-Raana Calls for Action on Illegal Mining and Licensing

At the Talensi Traditional Area, the Tongo-Raana, Tongo-Raana Kolbilsong Namalteng, raised strong concerns about the impact of illegal mining on the environment and local livelihoods.

He described the situation as a growing threat to farmlands and water bodies, urging government to take decisive action.

“This activity is rapidly destroying our farms and water bodies. We must take effective action to eliminate or minimize this danger,” he said.

The Paramount Chief also called for tighter control over the issuance of mining licenses, noting that some permits are granted without the knowledge of traditional authorities.

He, however, expressed support for the government’s cooperative mining initiative, stating that it could help formalize local participation while ensuring safety and environmental protection.

Mining Companies Urged to Follow Regulations

As part of the tour, the Minister visited Cardinal Namdini Mining Company and Earl International Group, where he reiterated government’s commitment to supporting responsible investors while enforcing strict compliance with regulations.

At the mining sites, Hon. Buah warned companies against cutting corners, especially on environmental and safety standards.

“If you cut corners, we will not hesitate to take your license. You must play by the rules of Ghana”, he cautioned.

He also emphasized the importance of local content and skills transfer.

“By the time we finish mining, we should be proud that we have built capacity and empowered Ghanaians”, he said.

Management of Earl International Group Gold Ghana Limited  acknowledged the challenges posed by illegal mining, particularly the intrusion of unauthorized miners into their concession areas.

“Illegal mining activities are seriously affecting our operations and pose safety risks. We appeal for urgent support to address this” the General Manager noted.

Despite the challenges, the company reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to the economic and social development of host communities.

The Minister’s visit forms part of broader efforts by the government to reform Ghana’s mining sector, strengthen regulation, and ensure that natural resource exploitation translates into sustainable development for local communities.

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