Addressing the Appointment Committee during his vetting on Monday, January 27, Mr. Buah reiterated the government's commitment to ending the menace that continues to plague the country’s natural resources.

“We in opposition were very strong on the issue of illegal mining, and as Minister, I pledge to stand with the people of Ghana to fight this menace. It doesn’t matter your status or your political correlation. If you want to engage in mining, there are legal processes for obtaining licenses, and we will ensure that these processes are followed,” he stated.

Mr. Buah noted that past efforts to address illegal mining had failed due to various structural and systemic issues. 

He proposed a shift in approach, highlighting the importance of community engagement and transparency in addressing the problem.

“One of the key interventions we will implement is a new and transparent approach to community engagement. The people in mining areas must understand that the destiny of their communities—their river bodies and forests—rests in their hands. We will empower and respect them, ensuring they become active stakeholders in this fight,” he said.

The Minister-designate also criticised the current implementation of the Community Mining Scheme, stating that it often alienates locals and relegates them to labor roles while contractors take charge. “That’s not the type of community engagement we envision,” he said, proposing a restructured scheme that organises communities into cooperatives and creates properly delineated mining enclaves.

To further streamline the sector, Mr. Buah stressed the need for decentralising the licensing regime to make it easier for small-scale miners to acquire permits. 

“No one should have to wait four years for a license. That delay pushes people into illegal mining. We will make the process efficient and accessible to deter illegal activities,” he assured.

In addition, he outlined plans to work closely with the Minerals Commission and the Geological Survey Authority to conduct investigations into mineralised areas and focus mining operations within designated zones.

“Our ultimate goal is to create a clear pathway for legal mining while dealing ruthlessly with those who engage in illegal operations. By empowering communities and fostering transparency, we can achieve sustainable mining practices that benefit everyone,” Mr. Buah said.