Lands Minister Calls For Responsible And Sustainable Artisanal Mining Practices In Ghana

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah elaborated on the need for responsible and sustainable artisanal mining practices in Ghana.

Speaking at the opening of the three-day "Mining in Motion" summit, Honourable Armah-Kofi Buah
highlighted the challenges posed by illicit mining, including environmental degradation and health implications.

According to him, artisanal and small-scale mining had been a significant sector in Ghana, with over 1 million people engaged in the trade.

He indicated that the extractive sector has been plagued by challenges, including destroying water bodies and forests. 

The Lands Minister cited a recent report that 5,500 hectares of Ghana’s forest reserves had been destroyed.

To address these challenges, He outlined a five-pillar approach to tackle the issue, including reforming the licensing regime, Law enforcement, Provision of Alternative Livelihoods, Stakeholder Engagements, and Reclamation of Degraded Lands with an emphasis on the Tree For Life program, which is set to kick off in June 2025.

He also highlighted the critical need to regulate and monitor the imports and use of excavators and other earth-moving equipment into the country. 
 
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah also emphasized the importance of community ownership and participation in mining activities.

He noted that large-scale mining companies would be encouraged to extend their best practices to the Small-Scale Mining Cooperatives. 

The government would work with stakeholders to create jobs and promote sustainable mining practices.

He emphasized the need for a mindset shift in the mining sector—from prioritizing profits over people and the environment to balancing economic development with social and environmental responsibility.