The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has embarked on a working tour of the Upper East Region, engaging key stakeholders on mining reforms, environmental protection, and community development.

As part of the visit, the Minister paid a courtesy call on the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, before meeting the Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongo-Raana Kolbilsong Namalteng.

The tour also featured inspections of operations at Cardinal Namdini Mining Company and Earl International Group Gold Ghana Limited, as part of efforts to assess compliance and operational standards within the sector.

Hon. Buah was accompanied by the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Sulemana Yusif, alongside directors from the Ministry, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, and the National Coordinator for the RCOMSDEP programme.

Speaking at the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, the Minister outlined ongoing reforms in the mining sector, including plans to establish District Mining Committees aimed at enhancing community participation in decision-making.

“The whole idea is to give communities a voice from the very beginning, whether mining should take place or not,” he stated.

He further disclosed that the government is strengthening legal frameworks and rolling out initiatives such as the Community Development Fund to ensure that mining activities translate into tangible benefits for host communities.

Addressing the issue of illegal mining, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling the challenge through a Responsible Cooperative Mining Programme.

“Mining is legal, but it must be done responsibly. We must guide those operating illegally into proper structures that protect our land and water bodies,” he stressed.

The tour forms part of broader efforts by the Ministry to promote sustainable mining practices while safeguarding the environment and improving livelihoods in mining communities.