By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has expressed his determination to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and restore Ghana’s polluted water bodies. He stated that he is committed to “turning the waters blue” during his tenure as minister.
“I want to be remembered as someone who, thanks to President Mahama and with the support of Ghanaians, fought his heart out to turn our waters blue and our forests green,” he said.
Speaking in an interview on the GTV Breakfast Show on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Mr Buah noted that his goal is not only to protect the country’s natural resources but also to ensure that Ghana’s mineral wealth benefits the nation.
According to him, he has directed mining companies to prioritise responsible resource extraction and to ensure that the country’s mineral wealth is utilised for national development.
“I want to be remembered for adding value to the mineral resources of our country. I have just directed the mining companies to make sure they properly manage and protect our resources,” he reiterated.
The lands minister added that the level of environmental destruction the government inherited is severe. He therefore pledged to ensure that Ghanaians no longer drink water polluted by galamsey, which he described as “poison.”
