MLNR-PR UPDATES
Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the vice president of the Republic, has reiterated the government’s steadfast support for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, emphasising that sustainable management of Ghana’s lands and natural resources is still essential to the country’s growth and survival.
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, she made the guarantee during an official working visit to the Ministry, where she was cordially welcomed by Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, as well as heads of agencies, directors, and senior management personnel.
The Vice President claimed that the visit was more than just ceremonial and that it was an intentional attempt to interact directly with those who are driving the government’s environmental and natural resource agenda.
“We are not somewhere far away, receiving reports written by faceless people,” she stated, highlighting the significance of putting names to faces and recognising the human labour involved in putting policies into action.
The Ministry was praised by Professor Opoku-Agyemang for its actions, especially in combating environmental harm and land degradation.
She expressed alarm about the extent of the harm caused by illicit mining, citing estimates that suggested thousands of football fields had been lost. However, she commended continued efforts to recover damaged areas.
She warned that proper land and resource management is essential to Ghana’s very survival, describing environmental protection as more than just a moral duty.
She emphasised that “protecting the environment is protecting ourselves” and urged employees to be dedicated in spite of the difficulties.
The Vice President also emphasised the significance of digitisation in land administration, pointing out that better documentation and technology will aid in resolving persistent problems with transparency, ownership, and access.
She emphasised the need of land banks, especially for women, many of whom want to farm but do not have access to land.
She advocated for intentional inclusion in land policy planning, saying, “If we consciously reserve portions of land banks for women, they can bring their capabilities to bear on the economy.”
Regarding governance, Professor Opoku-Agyemang commended the Ministry’s decentralisation initiatives, characterising them as crucial for resolving issues at the local level.
Effective service delivery, she pointed out, needs to extend beyond Accra to the areas where the majority of Ghanaians reside.
She reassured the Ministry that the highest levels of government would continue to support them, motivating them to strive harder while reiterating confidence in their abilities.
She said, “We have your back and we will support you every step of the way.”
Earlier, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources (MP), gave a thorough presentation on the condition of the mining, forestry, and land subsectors, highlighting significant accomplishments, continuing reforms, and forecasts for the upcoming year.
He described the Ministry as a vital pillar in Ghana’s development architecture and underlined that the current administration places a high value on the sustainable management of the country’s lands and natural resources.
He claimed that the Ministry’s work directly affects food security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth as stewards of lands, forests, minerals, wildlife, and other resources.
The Minister noted ongoing issues that need for persistent attention and smart intervention while underlining noteworthy advancements made in cooperation with associated authorities.
He reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to making sure that the management of natural resources makes a significant contribution to the creation of jobs, income, and environmental protection for both the current and future generations.
The Deputy Minister, Hon. Sulemana Yusif, thanked the Vice President for the visit on behalf of the Minister, Chief Director, department heads, and employees. She described it as a clear indication of the government’s dedication to efficient coordination, accountability, and inclusive development in the natural resources sector.
Source: newsthemegh.com