The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has categorically dismissed reports alleging that sector Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has resigned from the Board of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), describing the claims as false and insisting that there has been no disagreement between the minister and the institution.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, the Ministry clarified that Mr Armah-Kofi Buah has neither resigned from the GoldBod Board nor engaged in any dispute with the institution, contrary to reports circulating across social media and other media platforms.
According to the Ministry, the minister initially served on the GoldBod Board in person before nominating the Ministry’s Chief Director, Mr Marcus Haligah, to represent him in January 2026.
The Ministry explained that the decision was purely administrative and was necessitated by the minister’s demanding schedule and extensive responsibilities across two ministries, which have made it increasingly difficult for him to personally participate in all board meetings and other official engagements.
It further stated that the arrangement is consistent with GoldBod’s governance provisions, which permit designated representatives to act on behalf of board members where applicable.
The Ministry also cited a recent clarification issued by GoldBod, which confirmed that Mr Armah-Kofi Buah initially served on the Board personally but subsequently nominated the Chief Director to represent him because of his demanding schedule and inability to attend meetings regularly.
The clarification follows reports suggesting that the minister’s decision was motivated by alleged disagreements, conflict or dissatisfaction with the institution. The Ministry, however, has firmly rejected such assertions, maintaining that the appointment of a representative was not occasioned by any dispute.
The Ministry has consequently urged the public, media organisations and other interested parties to disregard reports insinuating that Mr Armah-Kofi Buah’s decision was connected to tensions with GoldBod.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with GoldBod and other relevant institutions to strengthen Ghana’s gold sector, promote responsible mining and ensure that the country’s mineral resources contribute meaningfully to national development.
As part of these efforts, the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GSA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GoldBod to intensify mineral exploration activities.
The Responsible Corporate Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) is also collaborating with the institution to advance responsible mining practices and strengthen capacity within the sector.
GoldBod is further working with the Forestry Commission on land reclamation initiatives and has supported the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) with vehicles as part of broader collaborative efforts to combat illegal mining.
The Ministry noted that these partnerships are intended to consolidate Ghana’s gold industry, enhance local value retention, promote responsible mining practices and ensure that the country’s mineral wealth is harnessed for sustainable national development.
It further encouraged the public and media practitioners to rely on official communications from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and GoldBod for accurate information concerning the institution’s governance and operations.
The statement was issued in Accra by Zambaga Rufai Saminu of the Communications Directorate of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
