The minister met the chiefs as they discussed issues surrounding galamsey
Just days after taking office, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has actively sought the backing of the Western Regional House of Chiefs to tackle illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, at a durbar at Sekondi-Takoradi, the minister, a native of the region, conveyed gratitude from President John Dramani Mahama to the local community for their substantial support during the 2024 Elections.
During his address to the chiefs, Armah-Kofi Buah acknowledged the high expectations placed on the government, particularly in dealing with galamsey.
He emphasised the importance of the Western Region, the heart of Ghana’s natural resources, in the government’s initiative named “Operation Heal Ghana,” aimed at combating illegal mining.
The minister, who doubles as the Member of Parliament of Ellembelle Constituency, expressed his thanks for the support during his vetting and election, highlighting the region’s blessings of minerals, vegetation, and peaceful people.
He urged the chiefs to lead in the anti-galamsey campaign, stressing unity as crucial for preserving the region’s legacy for future generations.
He outlined the government’s new anti-galamsey policy under President Mahama’s Reset Agenda, which includes new initiatives, reviewing existing strategies, and enhancing mining regulations.
The policy aims to ensure mining does not occur in unauthorized areas and involves rehabilitating affected regions.
He also mentioned replacing the current Community Mining Scheme with Artisanal Small-scale Mining Cooperatives (ASMCs) to make mining more inclusive and transparent.
Armah-Kofi Buah also used the occasion to promote peace among the chiefs, cautioning against disputes that could hinder regional progress.
Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the Paramount Chief of the Essikado Traditional Area, praised the minister for his engagement with the chiefs.
During an open forum, several chiefs expressed concerns about land and mining regulations, asking that the Operation Recover All Loot committee addresses these issues in the region.
The minister concluded by committing to ongoing engagements with the chiefs to address their concerns, ensuring their involvements in the governance of the region’s natural resources.