The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has expressed optimism that the possibility of African unity still exists despite challenges confronting the campaign.

He said that while the campaign to bring the continent together remains viable, Ghana, which led the emancipation of the continent, would play a crucial role and continue to serve as a home for all Africans and people of African descent.

Addressing a delegation from Eswatini, who paid a working visit to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources as part of their study and familiarisation tour of Ghana’s land administration system, Mr Buah assured them of the Ministry’s cooperation.

On what must bind Africans together, he said; “We still believe in the day the United States of Africa will come.”

The Minister highlighted Ghana’s role in the fight against colonialism while acknowledging its continuing contribution to the campaign for continental unity.

Regarding the delegation’s visit to study and familiarise themselves with land policy and administrative management in Ghana, he explained that the Ministry focuses on three core areas: land, minerals, and forestry.

He noted ongoing reforms aimed at streamlining activities in the sector, backed by appropriate regulations, and said new Acts would be promulgated to strengthen mineral resource governance, land management, and forestry administration.

In the mining sector, Buah underscored the progress made, revealing that six of the world’s top ten mining companies currently operate in Ghana.

He said that although Ghana remains Africa’s leading producer of gold, stakeholders and the Ministry are not complacent, but continue to pursue higher standards in production and industry management.

He further said government’s campaign encourages hardworking Ghanaian miners to improve productivity and performance in line with global standards.

Ultimately, he said government intends to decentralise the mining industry through the establishment of multiple offices nationwide and to promote greater local participation.

“Ghana was called the Gold Coast by colonial masters because of our gold; therefore, we must demonstrate that indeed we have gold through responsible and sustainable management of our resources,” he remarked.

Buah said the improved performance of the small-scale mining sector demonstrates Ghana’s progress in advancing the industry.

He described it as a privilege to receive the high-powered delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The delegation comprised officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, who visited Ghana for a benchmarking exercise and bilateral knowledge exchange.

They were led by Ms Nonhlanhla Dlamini, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development (MTAD), and Prince Ngangabani, Chairperson of the Land Management Board (LMB) and outgoing Speaker of Parliament, alongside five senior officials.

The delegation expressed keen interest in Ghana’s land administration system and received deeper insights into the country’s approaches to land management and ongoing reforms.