MLNR-PR UPDATES
The Honourable Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has urged West African nations to use dependable electricity and ethical mining to promote industrial expansion, job creation, and sustainable development in the subregion.
He made the statements on Tuesday, June 3, 2026, during the opening of the 2026 West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX), which was themed “How Can Responsible Mining and Power Accelerate West Africa’s Sustainable Development.”
Speaking to attendees from all over Africa and beyond, the Minister pointed out that West Africa is well-positioned to draw technology and investment due to the growing demand for essential minerals worldwide.
“West Africa is home to a vast array of minerals, including gold, bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, manganese and lithium. This convergence presents a historic opening for our region,” he stated.
Hon. Buah emphasised that success should not be determined exclusively by mineral extraction while highlighting Ghana’s current reforms aimed at creating a value-driven mining economy.
“We are moving from a resource-rich economy to a value-driven mining economy in which success will be measured not only by what we extract, but by how mining supports industrialisation, creates jobs, expands local participation and improves the lives of our citizens”, he stated.
The Minister described unlawful mining as one of the biggest risks to the industry and reiterated the government’s commitment to combating it.
He said that in order to restore industrial integrity and safeguard the environment, institutional reforms, enhanced monitoring, and stricter enforcement were being put into place.
In order to promote ethical investment and sustainable growth, he emphasised the necessity of integrating mining and energy policies.
In terms of regional collaboration, Hon. Buah called on West African nations to cooperate in order to boost investor confidence and put the subregion in a competitive position within international mineral supply chains.
Seven countries are participating in WAMPEX 2026 for the first time, drawing attendees from the mining and power industries.
The event, which is scheduled to take place at the La Palm Beach Resort in Accra from June 3rd to June 5th, 2026, will give business executives, financiers, legislators, and development partners a forum to discuss possibilities for cooperation and investment in West Africa.
Source: newsthemegh.com