Ghana’s lands and natural resources minister urges media to expose illegal mining
In Takoradi, Ghana, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah called on journalists to continue covering illegal mining and the networks that facilitate such activities. MyJoyOnline reports.
The role of journalists in overseeing the sector
A statement on behalf of the minister was read at an awards ceremony of the Ghana Journalists Association in Ghana’s Western Region. The event, dedicated to the work of journalists and corporate social initiatives, was held under the theme “Highlighting Progress, Investing in People.”
Buah said that the media must expose illegal activities, regulatory shortcomings, conflicts of interest, environmental violations, and the improper use of public resources. According to him, journalists should also explain complex issues in the extractive sector to citizens in an understandable way without distorting the facts.
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A call for fact-checking
The minister described illegal mining as not only an environmental problem, but also an economic, social, and governance issue, as well as a threat to national security. He noted that the destruction of forests and water bodies, the degradation of agricultural land, and the use of harmful chemicals could prove costly for the country.
At the same time, Buah urged journalists to avoid sensationalism and rely on verified information. In his view, this would contribute to a more balanced public discussion on responsible mining, environmental restoration, and natural resource management.
