The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, has appealed to the King and Overlord of the Gonja Traditional Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, to support government efforts in tackling illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
The appeal was made on March 26, 2026, during a courtesy call on the Yagbonwura as part of the Minister’s working visit to northern Ghana an area increasingly emerging as a hub for mining activities.
Mr. Armah Kofi-Buah was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Minister Yussif Sulemana, Chief Director Innocent Marcos Alega, Minerals Commission Director Isaac Tandom, and Forestry Commission Technical Director Joseph Kwesi Acquah.
Addressing the Yagbonwura and his elders, the Minister commended the King’s leadership and the unity within Gonjaland. He emphasized that while mining remains a legitimate and critical contributor to the economy, it must be conducted responsibly to safeguard land and water bodies for future generations.
He reiterated government’s commitment to supporting the youth through structured and legal mining initiatives, including skills training, provision of equipment, and the creation of designated mining zones under a cooperative framework.
The Minister also highlighted key interventions such as the Blue Water Guards initiative, aimed at protecting Ghana’s water resources, and called for stronger collaboration with traditional authorities to curb illegal mining and environmental degradation.
Responding on behalf of the Yagbonwura, the Mankpanwura, Jakpa Achorede Borenyi I, acknowledged the rich natural resource base of Gonjaland, including deposits of gold, lithium, and salt.
He commended the government under John Dramani Mahama for efforts to restore the country’s water bodies, noting visible improvements in recent times.
However, he raised concerns over rising youth unemployment, attributing it as a key driver of illegal mining and logging activities in the area. He urged government to expand opportunities in legal mining and other sectors to ensure sustainable livelihoods for the youth.
The Mankpanwura further assured the Minister of the Yagbonwura’s full support for government policies and reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to national development.
As a gesture of goodwill, the Yagbonwura presented traditional gifts to the Minister and his delegation, including 110 tubers of yam, a bull, and a white smock symbols of respect and appreciation.
The visit forms part of government’s broader stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at combating illegal mining and promoting responsible natural resource management across the country.
Source: kashafmonline.com
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