Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister-designate of Lands and Natural Resources, has stated that State and Public lands must not be sold to individuals or entities.

However, he noted that if it becomes necessary to sell them, the sale must be based on value for money and the current market value.

“I will jealously protect State and Public lands, and if we have to sell them, we must do so in a way that ensures the people are not short-changed,” the nominee remarked when he appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament in Accra on Monday.

Commenting on the priority areas he would focus on upon his approval, he said the government would work assiduously to restore biodiversity and ensure sustainable mining practices.

“I will stop the bleeding by ensuring sanity in the mining industry, heal the polluted water bodies, plant trees, and bring back biodiversity and ecology,” he emphasised.

When asked about how he would combat illegal small-scale mining, the nominee said illegal mining threatens the country's survival, and he would work to “deal with the powerful individuals and groups operating in the shadows behind it.”

The Minister-designate noted that illegal mining is a significant challenge that must be tackled through a bipartisan approach. He reiterated the NDC government’s commitment to undertaking a holistic review of the mining licensing regime.

Responding to frequent clashes between large-scale mining firms and host mining communities, the nominee assured that he would build trust and understanding between these stakeholders to promote mutual respect and create a win-win situation.

On measures to protect water bodies, Mr. Buah said the government would train water guards “to understand that fighting water pollution is protecting the soul of our country.”

“It is illegal to conduct mining activities in water bodies, and we are going to combat it with the people,” he emphasised.

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