THE Western Regional House of Chiefs has honoured the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Em manuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for his dedicated service to the country, leadership, and contribution to national development. The chiefs said, as a son of the land, the Minister had demonstrat ed strong commitment to public service and continued collabora tion with traditional authorities and local government institutions on key development issues.

At the ceremony, Mr Buah described the honour as a sur prise and a motivation to deepen cooperation between government, traditional leaders, and local au thorities in advancing development across the region and the country as a whole. He was presented with a plaque bearing his portrait and a citation.

The Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for El lembelle, expressed gratitude and called for unity, noting that despite the region’s rich natural resource endowment including oil, gold, timber, cocoa, bauxite, and manga nese divisions could undermine its full development potential. He said it was important for stakeholders to recognise that unity was essential to enable the region to fully benefit from its resources.

“This requires that we unite at all levels. The truth is that we, as a region, have no other choice but to unite as one people,” he said. “Anytime there is division in our region or we present ourselves as a people divided, we lose the bigger benefits at all levels. Let us not rest and rejoice simply because we have many resources it does not work like that.”

He added that a region with such natural resource endowment must be united to claim its rightful place. Mr Buah urged traditional leaders to set aside differences and strengthen collaboration in ad dressing development challenges, particularly in peace, governance, and infrastructure. He further stressed the need for unity in dealing with mining leases, community development agree ments, and investor engagements.

“One voice at the table when mining leases are discussed, one front when reclamation is being negotiated, one demand when community development agreements are signed, one voice • Mr Buah (fourth from left) and the chiefs after the presentation that will strengthen cooperation when investors call. The law gives you a seat, history gives you the right, but only unity gives you the strength to hold that seat,” he said.

He added that traditional lead ers, as custodians of the land, play a critical role in safeguarding re sources and guiding development. The Minister reaffirmed gov ernment’s commitment to working closely with traditional authorities and local government stakeholders to ensure inclusive development across the region. He concluded by thanking the Western Regional House of Chiefs for the honour, describing it as a symbol of trust and partnership between traditional leadership and state institutions.

The President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, commended the Minister for his service and acknowledged the importance of continued cooperation between traditional leaders and govern ment. He urged members of the House to uphold peace and re solve differences through dialogue.

“As humans, there may be misunderstandings among us, but now that whatever differences exist have been resolved, let peace prevail,” he said. He further encouraged unity among chiefs, stressing that it is essential for the progress of the Western Region.

“If there is any misunderstand ing, we will gather as a family and agree on a solution to push the development of the region,” he added.

The special session of the House of Chiefs in honour of the Minister was held in Sekon di and attended by members of the House, the Western Regional Minister, a Member of the Council of State, and several Metropoli tan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs.