Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has constituted a specialized working committee to facilitate the establishment of a proposed working relationship between the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the North East Region.
This strategic step aims to streamline operations in the area, directly curb illegal small-scale mining, and construct an appropriate operational framework to drive organized resource extraction.
“At the end of the meeting, Hon. Buah immediately constituted a working committee to facilitate the establishment of the proposed working relationship between the Ministry and the North East Region.”
Lands Ministry
The multi-agency working committee will primarily focus on addressing widespread illegal mining activities while concurrently promoting comprehensive efforts to attract the right investment framework into the region to support long-term, sustainable growth and development.
By bridging administrative oversights between state regulators and local traditional authorities, the initiative aims to transform the North East Region’s mineral deposits into structured economic opportunities.
Regulatory Alignment and Technical Mapping,
Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Isaac Tandoh, assured the visiting delegation of the Commission’s firm commitment to unlocking the rich mining potential of the North East Region.
To turn this potential into tangible outcomes, Mr. Tandoh indicated that he would personally spearhead the mapping of all mineralized zones utilizing existing geological data, while thoroughly examining the legal licensing regimes applicable to the territory.
He reiterated that the Minerals Commission would apply all relevant legal and technical regulations governing the mining sector to build an effective working relationship with regional stakeholders.
Emphasizing the importance of local engagement, the Regional Minister, Hon. Ibrahim Tia, explained that prior to the courtesy call, he had personally visited various mining sites to caution illegal operators against practices that undermine government programs.
Hon. Tia pledged that the region would strictly adhere to established regulatory guidelines, noting, “We would work strictly according to the guidelines” to ensure mining acts as a catalyst for economic growth.
Institutional Rationale and Strategic Imperative
The urgent need for this initiative stems from a dual imperative: curbing unchecked illegal mining (“galamsey”) that degrades regional land and water resources, and harnessing untapped geological wealth within a formal framework.
For years, the North East Region has experienced scattered, unregulated extraction that deprives local communities of structured revenue while posing grave environmental and safety hazards.
Establishing a dedicated working committee ensures that institutional oversight replaces ad-hoc operations.
By bringing traditional leaders, regional ministers, and regulatory bodies into alignment, the Ministry creates an environment where investors can operate transparently, safeguards are enforced, and local stakeholders directly benefit from resource extraction.
Unlocking Regional Extractive Potential
This collaborative effort represents an opportunity to revive long-standing economic aspirations that have been discussed on several occasions without implementation.
Moving from dialogue to structured regulation allows the state to safeguard fragile ecosystems while simultaneously creating legitimate jobs for youth in northern Ghana.
As the newly formed committee begins its work, the delegation plans to report back to the Nayiri on all actionable steps taken.
Strict adherence to the legal framework will remain the benchmark for success, ensuring that the North East Region transitions smoothly from unregulated mining toward a modern, investment-ready extractive sector.
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