Effective leaders assume responsibility for problems, whether inherited or created. H.E. John Dramani Mahama exemplifies this trait, as evidenced by his handling of Ghana’s power generation shortfall. I recall his efforts to end power rationing, a challenge not created by him but exacerbated by inadequate investments and increasing electricity demand.
Upon assuming office, President Mahama, through Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Energy, resolved the “Dumsor” debacle. By the time he left office on January 7, 2017, generation capacity exceeded 5,000MW, surpassing demand. Notably, the subsequent administration attributed the excess capacity to wastefulness. However, this strategic investment resolved the erratic power issues, demonstrating President Mahama’s and Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah’s problem-solving prowess.
In his second term, President Mahama is faced with yet another daunting task: combating illegal mining. Successive governments had paid lip service to addressing this issue, but President Mahama declared his commitment to fighting it. He appointed Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah as Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, who brought courage, passion, and a track record of commitment to the role.
Minister Buah’s vision for the ministry has been clear, and his efforts have garnered widespread commendation. Unlike previous presidents, President Mahama has demonstrated unwavering support in the fight against illegal mining. Minister Buah has left no stone unturned, starting with his backyard in Ellembelle Constituency and extending his efforts nationwide.
As Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, he has implemented several interventions, including the establishment of Blue Water guards and a joint task force. These initiatives have yielded positive outcomes, with the government reclaiming nine red forest reserve zones and restoring river bodies to their natural state. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has visited every mining district to restore normalcy.
Minister Buah has also introduced the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programmes, which will engage local communities in responsible mining practices while safeguarding the environment. The initiative is also aimed at providing alternative livelihood programmes for the youth. This initiative is in recognition that the natural resources should be a blessing rather than a curse to Ghanaians.
Peharps, another significant milestone in the fight against wanton destruction of our forest reserves by capitalist elements has been the boldest move by the Minister to revoke LI 2462, that gives the president an exclusive right to grant mining in forest reserves: an absolute abuse of executive power.
The previous government and the Minister, who aided the passage of LI 2462 (2022) for miners to have unfettered access to our forest reserves, should be hooted at.Any responsible government must rather initiate laws that safeguard our planet.
Many in the media space and civil society sector had expressed their in the governme’s resolve to repeal the law. However, the doubting thomases have been proven wrong once again by Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Acting Environment Minister. The parliament of Ghana has expressed readiness to revoke as soon as practicable.
Moreso, in furtherance of sanitizing the menace of illegal mining and safeguarding the forest reserves, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has terminated 278 small-scale mining licenses due to regulatory breaches and license expirations. This bold move has been widely commended by all well-meaning Ghanaians.
Given the government’s resolve and Minister Buah’s commitment, I am convinced that the menace of illegal mining will be significantly reduced. As President Mahama and Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah successfully addressed the “Dumsor” issue, they will once again deliver a solution to the admiration of all Ghanaians.
Constructive criticisms are necessary ingredients in a democracy. However, encouragements to ministers who are performing their duties diligently are also imperative in good governance. Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah deserves commendations for his outstanding performance thus far. Let us resolve as Ghanaians to throw our weight behind him to rid the country of the illegal menance.
Ayeeeko, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for your steadfastness.
Mustapha Iddrisu
Energy Policy Analyst
