The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Hon.Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah has announced plans to decentralise the issuance of mining licenses to the district level as part of renewed efforts to curb illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey across Ghana.
The Minister made this known on March 26, 2026, during a courtesy call on the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I at the Jakpa Palace in Damongo. The visit formed part of his working tour of northern Ghana, a region increasingly emerging as a hub for mining activities.
Hon. Buah, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation including his Deputy Hon.Yussif Sulemana and officials from the Minerals and Forestry Commissions.
The minister emphasized the urgent need for stronger collaboration between government and traditional authorities to tackle illegal mining and environmental degradation and explained that a new mining bill currently being drafted will establish District Mining Committees to oversee mineral exploration and license issuance at the local level.
According to him, decentralising the process will enhance accountability, improve monitoring, and promote responsible mining practices.
“Mining is a critical contributor to our economy, but it must be done responsibly to protect our lands and water bodies for future generations,” the Minister stated.
He further reiterated government’s commitment under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama to support youth through structured and legal mining initiatives. These include skills training, provision of equipment, and the creation of designated mining zones under cooperative frameworks.
Hon. Buah also highlighted key interventions such as the Blue Water Guards initiative, which is aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s water resources from pollution caused by illegal mining activities.
Responding on behalf of the Yagbonwura, the Paramount Chief of the Mankpan traditional area,Mankpanwura Jakpa Achorede Borenyi I, welcomed the Minister’s proposals and pledged the full support of the Gonja Traditional Council in the fight against galamsey.
He acknowledged the vast natural resource potential of Gonjaland, including deposits of gold, lithium, and salt, but expressed concern over rising youth unemployment, which he identified as a major driver of illegal mining and logging in the area.
The Mankpanwura therefore urged government to expand opportunities in legal mining and other sectors to create sustainable livelihoods for young people.
He also commended the government for ongoing efforts to restore polluted water bodies, noting visible improvements in recent times.
The visit underscores government’s broader stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at strengthening partnerships with traditional leaders in combating illegal mining while promoting responsible and sustainable natural resource management across the country.
Source: nkilgifm.com
