The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, together with the Deputy Minister, Hon. Yusif Sulemana and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi Esq. received a delegation of Regional Ministers led by their Dean, Hon. James Gunu.

During the visit, the delegation commended the Honourable Minister for his leadership and reaffirmed their support for responsible mining reforms.

The team praised Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah for his courageous and decisive leadership in confronting illegal mining (galamsey) and safeguarding Ghana’s environment. They noted that his firm and uncompromising approach has restored confidence in Government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible natural resource governance.

The Regional Ministers emphasized the need to expedite the rollout of the Responsible Cooperative Mining Scheme, describing it as a critical intervention to formalize community mining, curb illegal activities, create jobs for the youth, and drive local economic development.

They also encouraged the fast-tracking of the Mobile Licensing Van initiative, a transformative policy designed to decentralize and simplify licensing processes by bringing regulatory services directly to mining communities, thereby improving compliance and transparency.

In his response, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah expressed gratitude for the visit and the strong support of the Regional Ministers in tackling the galamsey menace. He noted that the country is faced with significant environmental damage, requiring urgent and strategic interventions to restore order and sustainability within the mining sector.

The Minister disclosed that Government is implementing a more structured and collaborative approach to the Responsible Cooperative Mining Scheme. He called on Regional Ministers and MMDCEs to identify suitable mineralized areas that meet strict environmental standards, excluding forest reserves, water bodies, roadside zones, and human settlements, for technical verification and formal approval as designated legal mining zones.

Temporary permits will be issued to allow regulated operations while permanent licensing processes are completed, he said.

He further assured the delegation that preparations are at an advanced stage for the rollout of the Mobile Licensing Van initiative, aimed at easing licensing acquisition and renewal.

The Regional Ministers assured the Ministry of their their support for its reforms, underscoring a united commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources while promoting responsible mining as a pathway to sustainable development and job creation.

End.