
Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
The Minister-Designate for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has alleged that political interference is the primary cause of the severe degradation of Ghana’s forest reserves.
He made the claim during his appearance before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on January 27, 2025.
According to Armah-Kofi Buah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, the involvement of political figures in mining operations has led to the destruction of the country’s forests. He expressed his dismay over the situation, attributing it to the unchecked involvement of political figures in mining operations.
The Minister-Designate refuted claims that international organizations mining in Ghanaian forest reserves were the primary cause of the destruction. Instead, he emphasized that the cause of the destruction should be placed at the doorsteps of political “apparatchiks” whose interference had been a major factor.
To address the issue, Armah-Kofi Buah reassured that President Mahama’s administration will implement three strategic initiatives aimed at preserving the country’s forests. These initiatives include the Blue Water initiative, the Tree for Life initiative, and the Restore Ghana initiative.
The Blue Water initiative focuses on protecting and restoring Ghana’s water bodies, which have been polluted or depleted due to illegal mining.
The Tree for Life initiative aims at large-scale reforestation, replenishing Ghana’s forests by planting trees and restoring natural habitats. The Restore Ghana initiative targets the rehabilitation of degraded lands and promotion of sustainable forest management.
Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized that the government will stop all illegal mining activities in forest reserves, ensuring the country’s forests are harnessed sustainably.
He reiterated the importance of preserving Ghana’s forests, stating that the government is committed to implementing measures to protect the country’s natural resources.