The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Buah, who was on a working visit to mining sites in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, visited Earl International Gold (formerly Shaanxi Mining Company) and Cardinal Namdini Shandong Mining Limited.
He cautioned them to operate within the framework, not to cut corners, and warned that if they do, they will be punished.
Addressing the mining companies, Mr. Buah urged them to play by the rules, saying: “We want you to operate within the framework. Don’t cut corners. If you cut corners, we will punish you. And remember, we have the power to take the lights tomorrow morning. It’s just our right. We’ll take it tomorrow morning, please, it’s important. Play by the rules of Ghana and we will be fine; you will be our best friends.
Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah expressed gratitude to Cardinal Namdini Mining, describing them as pioneers in mining in this part of Ghana. He said they are important to Ghana’s economy because they play a critical role through job creation.
He, however, called on them to ensure they follow mining regulations and guidelines,I know you are dealing with a lot of issues with the EPA. I’m here in my capacity also as the acting leader of the Environment, Science and Technology [committee/sector]; those issues must be addressed correctly because there are outstanding issues on regulations and a lot of operational guidelines and things mining companies have to meet, which they know.
There are specific technical shortfalls that we know you are working on with the EPA, Mr. Buah emphasized that these issues are important and should not be compromised and urged that they be resolved by June.
He noted that mining companies must work with many mine service providers and should ensure that each company uses the required certifications. “One of the things that is on my heart is that this final result, by the time we finish mining, we should be very proud that in the course of this mining,” he added.
During the visit to the district, Mr. Buah paid a courtesy call to the paramount chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Nab Kugbilsong, and raised concerns about illegal mining, which is threatening livelihoods and the environment. He described its severe consequences: environmental disruptions, health risks, economic losses, and social conflict.
The chief called for effective action to eliminate or minimize the canker in the area
.Mr. Buah indicated that the Community Mining Scheme would be expanded in the district, providing legal, well-regulated sites and training to enable miners to work safely and sustainably.
He assured the people of Talensi of strong collaboration between his ministry and the traditional authorities to safeguard activities, enforce environmental safeguards, and ensure worker safety measures.
He stressed that companies must comply with regulations, restore mined-out pits, and invest in local development.
The minister reminded companies of the government’s power to revoke licenses, warning that if any company fails to comply with environmental regulations, their licenses will be revoked.Company management outlined their operations, reclamation plans, community-development projects, and measures to safeguard the environment, promising to work closely with the Ministry, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other stakeholders to strengthen environmental sustainability.