Lands Minister calls for greater benefits to communities hosting mining activities

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has urged Ghana's mineral wealth to generate tangible benefits for the communities where mining occurs. Speaking on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, during a meeting with a delegation from the North East Region, the Minister emphasized that mining should not merely generate revenue but also contribute to improved living standards, infrastructure, and socio-economic development in host areas.

The delegation, led by the First Elder of the Nayiri's Palace, John Wuni Gruma, sought the Ministry's and Minerals Commission's assistance in identifying and delineating mineral-rich regions in the North East Region for responsible investment and development. The Minister assured the delegation that the government is committed to improving mineral resource governance and making the mining sector more efficient and effective.

He called for a review of the current system that allows prospecting licence holders to retain exploration rights for up to 30 years, arguing that this arrangement could discourage potential investors with the means to undertake significant exploration. The Minister also commended the Overlord of the Mamprugu Kingdom, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga II, for facilitating talks between the Ministry and the Minerals Commission.

He expressed optimism that these discussions could lead to a lasting partnership between traditional authorities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure mining activities in the region are properly regulated and attract responsible investment.