The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Designate, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has emphasised the transformative potential of salt mining for Ghana’s economy.
Speaking before Parliament’s Appointment Committee on Monday, January 27, he highlighted the strategic importance of salt exploitation and its potential to drive industrial growth and community development.
“Salt exploitation is very critical and is one of the minerals that will help really change our country,” the minister-designate stated.
Ghana’s salt industry has consistently produced approximately 250,000 metric tons annually, contributing significantly to the economy. However, Armah-Kofi Buah stressed the need for a more inclusive approach that ensures the benefits of the industry extend beyond national gains to positively impact host communities.
He pledged to prioritise policies and strategies that would enhance value addition, create jobs, and empower local communities.
“We must do it in a way that will not only benefit our country but will also benefit the communities in the areas where this salt is,” he noted, adding, “That’s where we create jobs. That’s where we empower Ghanaians.”
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah further underscored the importance of leveraging salt mining to establish related industries, which would enhance the mineral’s value chain while fostering economic growth.
If approved as Minister, he envisioned ensuring sustainable and inclusive development in the salt mining sector, unlocking its potential to be a catalyst for economic transformation in Ghana.
Watch Armah-Kofi Buah’s comment on conducting holistic review of mining licensing regime in Ghana:
