Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah partners IFEJ on specialized mining reporting

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Institute of Financial and Economic Journalists (IFEJ) have agreed to a partnership to enhance specialized reporting on Ghana’s mining, forestry, and land reform sectors. Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and the leadership of IFEJ reached the agreement following a courtesy visit intended to bridge the communication gap between the ministry and the media. The collaboration aims to ensure that journalists are well-equipped to provide accurate and technical coverage of the extractive industries. The partnership will be formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will outline several joint initiatives. Key components of the agreement include the organization of training workshops, annual conferences, and joint research projects. These programmes are designed to foster closer ties between media practitioners and agencies under the ministry, such as the Minerals Commission and the Forestry Commission, ensuring that reporting on these critical sectors is informed by expert data and policy context. Minister Armah-Kofi Buah highlighted recent milestones in the sector, including the implementation of a new mining policy and the successful reclamation of 44 forest reserves. He noted that such significant reforms require clear communication to the public, and that the ministry relies on a knowledgeable press to interpret complex policies. A workshop is expected to be the first activity under this partnership, focusing on building the capacity of IFEJ members to navigate the nuances of natural resource management. By improving the quality of financial and economic journalism, the partnership seeks to promote greater transparency and accountability in the management of Ghana’s natural resources. IFEJ leadership expressed optimism that the collaboration would lead to more impactful storytelling that highlights both the economic potential and the environmental responsibilities of the mining and forestry sectors. The move is seen as a vital step in enhancing the public’s understanding of how these sectors contribute to national development.