Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
TThe Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has praised Ghana’s prospects in sustainable mining, describing it as a landmark achievement within the West African subregion.
According to him, the country has been a leading example in sustainable mining, contributing to its enviable success in the extractive sector.
Addressing a gathering of industry leaders at this year’s West Africa Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX), the sector minister stressed that Ghana has become a model of responsible resource development, urging other countries to emulate its approach.
“Ghana is not just a mining destination … We are proof that responsible investment and transformative development can go hand in hand,” Armah-Kofi Buah noted during the launch of WAMPEX 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
In his speech, he revealed that due to its robust policies, the country attracted about $1.2 billion in foreign direct investment in mining last year alone, a testament to Ghana’s stable democracy, skilled workforce, and investor-friendly environment.
He also added that so far, 100 mining communities are directly benefiting from the Mineral Development Fund, highlighting Ghana’s shift from corporate social responsibility to genuine shared value.
Showcasing Ghana as a continental trailblazer, the lands minister further highlighted the country’s success across four strategic pillars: investor confidence, community impact, environmental stewardship, and transparent governance — urging other countries to follow suit.
“Our doors are open, our policies are clear, and our commitment is unwavering … Let WAMPEX 2025 be remembered as the moment we turned promise into practice, where sustainable deals were struck, transformative partnerships formed, and West Africa’s mining future was forever changed,” the minister declared.
On his part, the Chairman of the Conference and President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Michael Edem Akafia Esq., highlighted the importance of the 18th edition of the West African Mining and Power Exhibition and Conference (WAMPEX), describing it as timely and critical.
He emphasized that participating industries must respond decisively to the call for sustainable development, aligning efforts with the goal of maximizing socio-economic benefits.
In his welcome address, the CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, also underscored the significance of this year’s theme: “The Mining and Power Hub: Driving Sustainable Investment Opportunities in West Africa.”
He noted that the theme reinforces the need for companies in the mining and energy sectors to remain resilient in the face of economic pressures, while positioning themselves as drivers of regional transformation.
AM/KA