Opening the workshop, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, whose speech was read on his behalf by Mr Maxwell Klu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, said the training was timely as the country intensified efforts to promote environmentally sound mining.
He said green mining – which involves the use of renewable energy, waste reduction, water conservation, ethical extraction and strong community engagement – had become central to Ghana’s strategy to restore degraded environments and curb illegal mining.

“The deployment of green mining will significantly curb illegal mining, which remains an existential threat to our lives, water bodies and sustainable national growth,” he said.

The training, organised by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in partnership with the Association of China–Ghana Mining, has brought together editors and reporters from Accra, Western and Upper East regions. It seeks to strengthen the ability of journalists to report on mining issues with depth, competence and balance at a time when the country continues to battle the environmental and socio-economic consequences of illegal mining.

The workshop also aims to bridge the knowledge gap between journalists and regulators, environmental experts and industry actors.
The Minister noted that Ghana’s robust legal frameworks, including the Minerals and Mining Act and the Environmental Protection Act (Act 1124), as well as international environmental treaties, reflected the country’s commitment to responsible resource management.

He added that government had taken steps to eliminate mining in sensitive ecological areas, including the revocation of LI 2462 which previously empowered the granting of mining licences in forest reserves.
Citing industry examples, the Minister said Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, AngloGold Ashanti and Gold Fields had demonstrated strong leadership in green mining through carbon reduction, land reclamation, water management and biodiversity protection.
“These companies are setting global standards, and through partnerships, they mentor small-scale operators to embrace responsible practices,” he said.

Mr Buah urged the media to rely on data, strengthen investigative reporting and uphold ethics in covering mining issues.
Mr Tong Defa, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, called on journalists to adopt a fair and comprehensive approach in reporting on mining involving Chinese nationals.

While acknowledging that a “tiny” number of Chinese were involved in illegal mining, he said the actions of a few should not overshadow the positive contributions of the many.
“There are hundreds of Chinese companies contributing to economic development and supporting local communities, yet their responsible practices are seldom covered,” he said.
He appealed to journalists to present “a full picture” that reflects both the challenges and the positive aspects of China–Ghana cooperation in the sector.

Mr Albert Kofi Owusu, General Manager of the GNA, said the workshop formed part of a broader effort to equip journalists with the skills required to cover development issues with depth and perspective.
He noted that the mining sector offered opportunities in jobs and investment but also carried risks such as environmental degradation and community displacement.

“As journalists, we stand at the intersection of economic gain and ecological responsibility.
“Balanced and factual reporting ensures transparency in the extractive sector and contributes to sustainable national development,” he said.