Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, stressing that the sustainable management of Ghana’s lands and natural resources is critical to the country’s development and long-term survival.
She gave the assurance during a working visit to the Ministry on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 where she was received by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, as well as heads of agencies, directors and senior management staff.
According to the Vice President, the visit was intended to go beyond formalities and provide an opportunity for direct engagement with those implementing government policies in the environmental and natural resources sector.
She said the interaction was necessary to appreciate the human effort behind policy execution rather than relying solely on written reports.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang commended the Ministry for its efforts to curb land degradation and environmental destruction, particularly the impact of illegal mining.
She expressed concern about the extensive damage already done, citing reports that indicate the loss of land equivalent to thousands of football fields, but lauded ongoing reclamation initiatives.
She described environmental protection as a national necessity rather than a moral choice, warning that Ghana’s future depends on responsible land and natural resource management. She encouraged staff of the Ministry to remain resolute in the face of challenges, noting that safeguarding the environment ultimately protects lives and livelihoods.
The Vice President also highlighted the importance of digitisation in land administration, saying improved land records and systems would enhance transparency, access and ownership security. She identified land banks as a major opportunity to expand access to land, particularly for women interested in agriculture but constrained by land tenure challenges.
“If we deliberately reserve portions of land banks for women, they can contribute more effectively to the economy,” she said, calling for inclusive land policies.
On governance, Professor Opoku-Agyemang praised the Ministry’s decentralisation drive, describing it as essential for addressing challenges at the community level.
She stressed that effective service delivery must extend beyond Accra to reach citizens across the country.
She assured the Ministry of continued support from the highest levels of government, urging staff to intensify their efforts while reaffirming confidence in their work.
Earlier, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, presented an overview of developments in the lands, mining and forestry sub-sectors, highlighting achievements, ongoing reforms and plans for the year ahead.
He said the administration places strong emphasis on sustainable natural resource management, describing the Ministry as a key pillar of national development.
He noted that as custodians of Ghana’s lands, forests, minerals and wildlife, the Ministry’s work has a direct bearing on economic growth, environmental sustainability and food security.
While acknowledging progress made in collaboration with partner agencies, he admitted that challenges remain and require sustained and strategic intervention.
On behalf of the Ministry, the Deputy Minister, Mr Sulemana Yusif, expressed appreciation to the Vice President for the visit, describing it as a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to coordination, accountability and inclusive development in the natural resources sector.
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