Lands and Natural Resources Minister-designate, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has unveiled three ambitious initiatives aimed at eradicating galamsey (illegal mining) and restoring Ghana’s degraded natural resources. Speaking during his vetting before the Appointments Committee on Monday, January 27, he outlined the Blue Water Initiative, the Tree for Life Initiative, and the Restore Ghana Initiative as pillars of his strategy to protect the nation’s environment if approved for the role.
According to Mr. Armah Kofi Buah, these initiatives will help restore ecological balance, safeguard water bodies, and rehabilitate lands ravaged by illegal mining.
1. The Blue Water Initiative
“This initiative seeks to heal and harness the environment by transforming areas destroyed by illegal mining into hubs of economic and ecological recovery,” he explained. The program focuses on protecting water bodies and ensuring sustainable management of resources, turning previously degraded areas into productive ecosystems that benefit local communities.
2. The Tree for Life Initiative
Reforestation will take center stage under the Tree for Life Initiative. Mr. Armah Kofi Buah emphasized that the program would promote afforestation and reforestation efforts nationwide. “We will intensify tree-planting campaigns to restore forest reserves, while also encouraging afforestation efforts in all parts of the country,” he said, adding that this would create jobs and combat climate change.
3. The Restore Ghana Initiative
This comprehensive initiative will target galamsey-affected lands and water bodies, introducing large-scale rehabilitation projects. “The Restore Ghana Initiative is designed to rehabilitate lands and water resources destroyed by galamsey activities through a robust and sustainable approach,” he noted.
Policy Reforms and Legislative Actions
Beyond the outlined initiatives, the Minister-designate committed to strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable mining practices. Notably, he pledged to halt the issuance of licenses for mining in forest reserves.
“We will make sure Legislative Instrument 2462, which allows mining in forest reserves, is no more. This will prevent further destruction of our forests and preserve them for future generations,” he stated firmly.
If approved, Mr. Armah Kofi Buah promised a holistic approach to restoring Ghana’s ecological integrity while balancing economic interests. His plans have been widely anticipated as a potential game-changer in the fight against galamsey and environmental degradation.
The initiatives reflect the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) broader commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources and combating illegal mining.
Story by : Mercy Addai Turkson
