The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has outlined ongoing reforms and policy priorities at the Ministry during a working visit by the Vice President Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang .
Addressing the Vice President, the Minister disclosed that a specialised anti-illegal mining monitoring team has recently been inaugurated to strengthen enforcement against activities that degrade the environment. He said the team is working with relevant agencies to improve surveillance in high-risk areas and protect the country’s natural resources.
Mr Buah also announced renewed focus on ecotourism development as a key pillar of sustainable resource management. According to him, the Ministry is collaborating with conservation partners and eco-tourism operators to attract investment into major forest and game reserves, including Shai Hills, Kakum National Park and Mole National Park. He noted that the initiative aims to boost domestic tourism and encourage Ghanaians to explore the country’s natural heritage while creating jobs and revenue.
The Minister further indicated that the Ministry is actively engaged in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, adding that Ghana’s work in the sector is gaining international recognition. He revealed that he represented the country at several major environmental conferences over the past year, including a United Nations environmental conference in Egypt, where Ghana’s policy direction on sustainability was presented.
Touching on land administration, Mr Buah shared a personal experience to highlight systemic challenges at the Lands Commission. He revealed that he lived in his own house for six years without a land title and only received expedited processing on the day his ministerial nomination was announced. He described the situation as evidence of deep-seated inefficiencies within the land administration system.
He said the Ministry has since initiated a comprehensive review of the Lands Commission to identify the causes of delays and service delivery failures. The findings, he noted, are guiding reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency and access to land services for all Ghanaians.
The Minister assured the Vice President that the Ministry remains committed to safeguarding Ghana’s lands, forests and natural resources while promoting sustainable development and public confidence in land administration.
Story By:Sheila Otuo- Baffour