Ghana Minute.
Thursday, 30 July 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 30 July 2026
Accra—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Ghanaian press · Person

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah

Also known as: Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah · Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah · Mr Buah · Honourable Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah · Minister Buah · Armah Kofi Buah · Mr Armah-Kofi Buah · Minister Armah-Kofi Buah · Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah · Hon. Buah

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah — Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, leading tree-planting and anti-galamsey initiatives.

2026-04-252026-07-30

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. July 2026
  2. Joy Online

    The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has assured management and staff of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) that the government has no intention of selling the state-owned aluminium producer.

    VALCO is not for sale; we’re seeking a strategic investor to revive it – Armah-Kofi Buah
  3. The Chronicle

    The residents have, therefore, appealed to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to investigate the alleged attempts to commercialise the concession and ensure that it remains under the control of the community.

    Nkaseim Residents Warn Contractor To Stay Off Community Mining Concession
  4. Joy Online

    Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, described the partnership as a significant milestone in government’s efforts to ensure that Ghanaian gold is produced responsibly and traded through legal channels.

    World Gold Council commits US$250,000 grant to support Ghana’s responsible small-scale mining programme
  5. The Ghanaian Times

    The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, described the partnership as a significant step towards ensuring that Ghanaian gold is produced responsibly and traded through legal channels.

    Govt, World Gold Council partner to boost responsible mining
  6. Joy Online

    The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, says his ministry has not received any formal report indicating that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are charging fees for or authorising the use of excavators, chanfans and other mini

    No formal report of MMDAs issuing permits for mining equipment – Lands Minister says despite JoyNews investigation
  7. Joy Online

    The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed that the land on which Efua Sutherland Park is situated remains the property of the state, citing official records dating back to 1959.

    Efua Sutherland Park land belongs to the state, Armah-Kofi Buah tells Parliament
  8. The Chronicle

    The claims were made at a press briefing in Accra, convened by CAGG convener, Engineer Kenneth Ashigbey, in response to an “Accountability Series” presentation delivered on 15th July 2026 by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

    Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey disputes government assessment of illegal mining
  9. Joy Online

    The statement, signed by Convener Kenneth Ashigbey, takes direct issue with remarks by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who had indicated that the era of impunity was over.

    CAGG rejects claim that galamsey impunity is over, demands tougher action against illegal miners
  10. Joy Online

    Copies of the statement were forwarded to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Armah Kofi Buah; the Western Regional Minister; the District Chief Executive for Ellembelle; divisional police commanders at Esiama and Axim; the Bureau

    Salman youth back Adamus; call for crackdown on illegal miners
  11. Joy Online

    The Tribunals Bill, 2026 was laid before Parliament by Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Dr Dominic Ayine, presented on his behalf by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, on June 26, 2026, with the object of establishing a legal framework

    Tribunals bill could return Ghana to “tsoo Boi” justice – Afenyo-Markin
Business

Government seeks strategic investor to revive VALCO

The News

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has assured VALCO staff that the government is not selling the state-owned aluminium company but will seek a strategic investor to modernise the plant and clear its debts. More than US$700 million is needed to restore the facility to full operational capacity, with VALCO currently burdened by over US$250 million in power-related debts and ageing equipment.

8 hours ago · Joy Online

Today

  1. Government seeks strategic investor to revive VALCO

    The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has assured VALCO staff that the government is not selling the state-owned aluminium company but will seek a strategic investor to modernise the plant and clear its debts. More than US$700 million is needed to restore the facility to full operational capacity, with VALCO currently burdened by over US$250 million in power-related debts and ageing equipment.

    8 hours ago · Joy Online

  2. Nkaseim residents warn contractor off community mining concession

    Chiefs and residents of Nkaseim in Asutifi South District have warned a road contractor to stay away from their community cooperative mining concession, alleging that some influential individuals and local leaders are attempting to dispose of portions to private interests. The community has appealed to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to investigate and ensure the concession remains under community control.

    23 hours ago · The Chronicle

Wednesday 22 July

  1. World Gold Council grants $250,000 to Ghana's responsible small-scale mining

    Ghana has secured an initial US$250,000 development grant from the World Gold Council as part of a broader US$1 million partnership to strengthen the formal gold sector, improve supply chain integrity, promote sustainable mining practices, and tackle illegal gold trade. The initiative aims to increase ore recovery rates for artisanal and small-scale miners and establish accredited gold processing plants nationwide.

    22 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana secures $250,000 gold mining grant from World Gold Council

    Ghana has signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Gold Council to receive an initial $250,000 development grant, part of a $1 million support package aimed at promoting responsible artisanal and small-scale gold mining, strengthening supply chain integrity, and reducing illegal gold trade.

    22 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

Tuesday 21 July

  1. Lands Minister says no formal report of illegal mining permits issued

    The Lands and Natural Resources Minister told Parliament that his ministry has not received formal reports of MMDAs charging fees for or authorizing excavators and other mining equipment for illegal mining activities, despite a JoyNews investigation alleging such permits were being issued in mining districts.

    21 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Efua Sutherland Park land belongs to state, minister tells Parliament

    The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources told Parliament that Efua Sutherland Park land remains state property, citing a Certificate of Allocation from 1959 that designated it for public parks and children's recreational facilities.

    21 July 2026 · Joy Online

  3. CAGG disputes government's illegal mining progress claims

    The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has rejected the government's assessment that "the era of impunity is over" in illegal mining, citing uneven regional enforcement and raising unverified allegations of corruption within NAIMOS. The Coalition credited government action on Achimota Forest Reserve protection and charges against the "Atronsu 5," but argued conditions in areas including the Eastern Region contradict claims of progress.

    21 July 2026 · The Chronicle

Monday 20 July

  1. CAGG disputes government claim that galamsey impunity era is over

    The Coalition Against Galamsey Ghana rejected the government's assertion that the era of impunity regarding illegal mining is over, citing escalating lawlessness in the Eastern Region and calling for equal enforcement against all illegal miners, including politically exposed persons and kingpins.

    20 July 2026 · Joy Online

Sunday 19 July

  1. Salman youth defend Adamus Mining against illegal mining allegations

    Youth leaders and the chief of Salman in the Ellembelle District have dismissed allegations against Adamus Mining Company as false and misleading, claiming the misinformation is spread by individuals linked to illegal mining (galamsey) operations. They assert the company operates within Ghana's legal framework and engages in responsible mining and community development initiatives.

    19 July 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 17 July

  1. Minority Leader warns tribunals bill risks returning Ghana to PNDC-era justice

    Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has cautioned that the government's proposed Tribunals Bill, 2026—laid before Parliament by Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine on June 26, 2026—risks reviving shortcomings of the PNDC-era justice system, arguing Ghana should instead strengthen its existing courts through reforms.

    17 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Afenyo-Markin warns tribunals bill risks backward-stepping justice

    Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has warned that the government's proposed Tribunals Bill, 2026 risks reviving shortcomings of the PNDC-era justice system, arguing that Ghana should instead strengthen its existing courts through reforms rather than establish new tribunals.

    17 July 2026 · Joy Online

Thursday 16 July

  1. Government seizes 112 guns, arrests 465 in anti-galamsey crackdown

    Security agencies arrested 465 suspects and seized 112 pump-action guns, excavators and other mining equipment during a six-month nationwide crackdown on illegal mining between January and June 2026, as authorities work to protect Ghana's forests, rivers and mineral resources.

    16 July 2026 · The Chronicle

  2. Lands Minister launches tree-planting campaign to restore forests

    Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, called on the public to participate in a national tree-planting initiative to address deforestation and forest degradation. In 2025, about 31 million seedlings were planted, restoring approximately 23,600 hectares of degraded landscapes, and the Ministry aims to plant 30 million seedlings this year.

    16 July 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Government deploys 452 additional Blue Water Guards against galamsey

    The Lands and Natural Resources Minister announced the recruitment, training and deployment of 452 additional Blue Water Guards to strengthen water body protection against illegal mining, bringing total personnel across eight regions to 2,069. The government has also registered 4,347 mining equipment units at Tema Port and installed 1,864 tracking devices as part of efforts to strengthen oversight of small-scale mining.

    16 July 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Cabinet approves revised mining law amendments for parliament

    Ghana's Cabinet has approved amendments to its mining law for submission to parliament, aimed at increasing oversight of the sector and curbing illegal mining. The revised law seeks to strengthen local content, improve linkages to manufacturing, establish district mining committees, and replace reconnaissance and prospecting licences with a single five-year exploration licence.

    16 July 2026 · Joy Online

Wednesday 15 July

  1. Mining lease cap at twenty years could deter investors

    The Suame MP and Legal Counsel for the Minority warns that the government's decision to cap mining lease periods at 20 years—down from 30 years—could discourage investment in Ghana's mining sector, arguing that mining is capital-intensive and investors need sufficient time to recover their resources, particularly as competing countries like Benin and Côte d'Ivoire attract mining investments.

    15 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Suame MP rates NDC government's galamsey fight 1/10

    John Darko, MP for Suame and Minority Legal Counsel, has criticized the NDC government's campaign against illegal mining as ineffective, rating it 1 out of 10, citing continued water pollution and lack of improvement despite the government's assurances.

    15 July 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Cabinet approves mining lease reforms capping duration at 20 years

    Cabinet has endorsed proposed amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 that reduce the maximum duration of mining leases from 30 years to 20 years and introduce Community Development Agreements. The revised Bill will be submitted to Parliament for approval as part of broader efforts to strengthen mining sector governance.

    15 July 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Government revokes law, restores Achimota Forest to protected status

    The government has revoked Executive Instrument 144, restoring the Achimota Forest Reserve to full protected status and reversing the removal of approximately 361.5 acres from the reserve in 2022. Dr Ken Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, commended the decision as a significant milestone in Ghana's efforts to protect forests and combat environmental degradation.

    15 July 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Lands Minister reaffirms commitment to combating illegal mining

    The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources acknowledged the challenges in fighting galamsey but stressed that the government will not retreat from the battle, intensifying efforts through collaboration with state institutions and local communities to protect Ghana's natural resources and reclaim degraded lands and polluted waters.

    15 July 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Government reclaims 1,335 acres of illegal mining-degraded land

    The Government reclaimed 1,335 acres of land degraded by illegal mining (galamsey) in 2025 through a public-private partnership in the Ashanti Region, as part of efforts to restore damaged landscapes and promote environmental sustainability.

    15 July 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Mining firms must secure community approval before licence applications

    Ghana's Lands and Natural Resources Minister has announced proposed amendments to the country's mining laws requiring mining companies to obtain recommendations from host communities before licence applications are considered by central authorities. The revised Minerals and Mining Bill, which has been approved by Cabinet and gazetted, will establish District Mining Committees to give communities in mining areas a formal role in the licensing process.

    15 July 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Cabinet revokes 2022 order, restores Achimota Forest to protected status

    Cabinet has revoked Executive Instrument 144, restoring the Achimota Forest Reserve to its full protected status and reversing the 2022 decision that removed approximately 361.5 acres from the reserve. The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources announced the decision during a media briefing on July 15, stating that the move reflects the government's commitment to protecting Accra's largest remaining urban forest.

    15 July 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Dagbon holds three-day Adua for late King Abukari II

    The family and Dagbon Traditional Council have announced a three-day Adua—Islamic collective religious gatherings to seek Allah's mercy for the deceased—scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi. The Council described the late King as a symbol of peace and unity, urging the people of Dagbon to maintain peace during the mourning period.

    15 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

Friday 10 July

  1. Black Volta gold mine dispute reaches London arbitration tribunal

    Ghana's Black Volta Gold Project, one of West Africa's most promising undeveloped gold deposits, has become the centre of a cross-continental legal fight involving an international arbitration tribunal in London, the High Court of England and Wales, and the Ghanaian government, centring on a $100 million transaction and disputes over control of Ghanaian operating companies Azumah Resources Ghana Ltd, Upwest Resources Ltd, and Phoenix Resources Ltd.

    10 July 2026 · Joy Online

Thursday 25 June

  1. Manhyia South MP requests RTI disclosure on Damang Mining Lease

    The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South has invoked the Right to Information Act to request official records relating to the Damang Mining Lease awarded to Engineers and Planners Limited, including documents on the tender process, lease terms, state payments, production records from 2023 to 2026, and details on gold processed during a transition period following expiry of the previous lease.

    25 June 2026 · The Chronicle

Tuesday 23 June

  1. Manhyia South MP seeks Damang Mine lease transparency records

    The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South has formally requested access to documents and records relating to the Damang Mining Lease granted to Engineers and Planners Limited, invoking the Right to Information Act 2019. The MP is seeking disclosure of lease terms, payments made by the company, production returns from 2023–2026, stockpile details, and records of any transition management following the competitive tender process concluded in April 2026.

    23 June 2026 · Joy Online

Monday 22 June

  1. Police halt alleged forcible takeover of Bondae mine concession

    Western Regional Police intervened over the weekend to prevent a forcible takeover of the Bondae mine concession in the Western Region, allegedly led by a former NDC National Organiser along with Chinese nationals and men believed to be soldiers. The dispute centers on a concession subject to ongoing litigation at the Sekondi High Court, where Long Shine Mining Ghana Limited has challenged a contract termination.

    22 June 2026 · Daily Guide

Thursday 18 June

  1. Minister inaugurates 20-member taskforce to protect public lands

    The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources inaugurated a 20-member Greater Accra Public Lands Protection Taskforce comprising representatives from the Lands Commission, the Ministry, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces, and private sector members. The taskforce's mandate is to monitor and protect public lands, prevent unlawful occupation, and support recovery of state lands that have been encroached upon.

    18 June 2026 · The Chronicle

  2. Lands Ministry launches 20-member taskforce for public lands protection

    The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources inaugurated a 20-member Greater Accra Public Lands Protection Taskforce comprising representatives from the Lands Commission, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces, and the private sector to safeguard public lands and recover unlawfully occupied state lands.

    18 June 2026 · Joy Online

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute