The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has cautioned mining companies operating in the Upper East Region to strictly adhere to regulatory requirements or risk losing their leases.

The warning was issued during his working visit to Cardinal Namdini Mining Company and Earl International Group Gold Ghana Limited, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting responsible investors while enforcing compliance across the sector.

Addressing management and staff at the sites, Hon. Buah stressed that the government will not tolerate any breach of environmental and safety standards.

“If you cut corners, we will not hesitate to take your lease.

You must play by the rules of Ghana,” he cautioned.

The Minister also underscored the importance of promoting local content and skills transfer within the mining industry, noting that the long-term benefits of resource extraction must include building the capacity of Ghanaians.

“By the time we finish mining, we should be proud that we have built capacity and empowered Ghanaians,” he stated.

Meanwhile, management of Earl International Group Gold Ghana Limited raised concerns over the growing impact of illegal mining on their operations, particularly the intrusion of unauthorised miners into concession areas.

According to the company’s General Manager, such activities pose significant safety risks and disrupt lawful operations.

“Illegal mining activities are seriously affecting our operations and posing safety risks.

We appeal for urgent support to address this,” the official noted.

Despite these challenges, the company reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to the socio-economic development of host communities.

The Minister’s visit forms part of broader government efforts to reform Ghana’s mining sector, strengthen regulatory enforcement, and ensure that natural resource exploitation delivers sustainable development for local communities.