The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called on traditional authorities to play a leading role in combating illegal mining and promoting responsible natural resource management in Ghana.

The appeal was made during a courtesy call on the Yagbonwura, overlord of the Gonja Kingdom in the Savannah Region, as part of the Minister’s ongoing working tour of the northern sector.

Hon. Buah was accompanied by the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Sulemana Yusif, as well as Directors from the Ministry, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, and the National Coordinator for the Responsible Cooperative Mining Scheme Development Programme (RCOMSDEP).

Addressing the palace, the Minister expressed gratitude for the warm reception and commended the Yagbonwura’s leadership in fostering unity and peaceful coexistence within the Gonja Kingdom.

“We are here to seek your blessing and guidance as we engage communities in the northern sector. Your leadership in bringing people together is something we deeply admire,” he stated.

Hon. Buah highlighted the growing importance of northern Ghana as an emerging hub for mining activities, stressing the need to strike a balance between economic gains and environmental sustainability.

“Mining is a legal business, but it must be done responsibly. We must protect our land and water bodies for future generations,” he emphasised.

The Minister further outlined the government’s plan to roll out the Responsible Cooperative Mining Programme, aimed at creating opportunities for youth while addressing illegal mining activities.

“If our young people want to mine, we will support them, train them, and guide them to do it the right way,” he added.

The visit forms part of broader efforts by the government to strengthen collaboration with traditional leaders in addressing illegal mining, widely known as “galamsey,” and ensuring sustainable exploitation of Ghana’s natural resources.