Peduase: The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, highlighted the importance of green mining practices in addressing illegal mining and restoring degraded environments. He emphasized that green mining has become a national priority due to the threat posed by illegal mining to water bodies, farmlands, and communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Buah's remarks were delivered by Mr Maxwell Klu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, at a three-day workshop for editors and reporters in Peduase, Eastern Region. The workshop, organized in partnership with the Association of China-Ghana Mining, aimed to equip participants with knowledge on sustainable mining, ethical reporting, and regulatory compliance.
Green mining refers to environmentally responsible mineral extraction practices that focus on reducing pollution, minimizing land degradation, conserving energy and water, and promoting the rehabilitation of mining sites. Mr. Buah explained that green mining offers a sustainable path that reduces environmental damage through renewable energy use, waste reduction, water conservation, ethical extraction techniques, and strong community engagement.
The minister noted that Ghana's legal and policy frameworks, including the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), and several international environmental conventions, reflect the country's commitment to responsible mining standards. He also mentioned that the government has intensified efforts to deter illegal mining, including the revocation of Legislative Instrument 2462, which previously allowed mining permits in forest reserves.
Mr. Buah cited successful examples of green mining in Ghana, highlighting companies like Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, AngloGold Ashanti, and Gold Fields for their world-class standards in carbon reduction, land rehabilitation, water management, and biodiversity protection. He urged the media to deepen their understanding of the mining sector and uphold ethics, accuracy, and accountability in their reporting.
Mr Tong Defa, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, encouraged journalists to be fair and comprehensive in their coverage of mining activities involving Chinese nationals and companies. He acknowledged that a small fraction of Chinese were involved in illegal mining but emphasized the significant positive contributions of many Chinese companies to economic development and local communities.
Mr Albert Kofi Owusu, General Manager of the Ghana News Agency, remarked that the extractive sector presents both opportunities and challenges, making balanced reporting essential. He stressed that journalists play a crucial role in fostering accountability and contributing to sustainable national development.