Nkroful: Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has voiced concerns over the detrimental impact of galamsey (small-scale illegal mining) on newborns during the 116th birthday celebration of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's First President. He condemned the activities of these miners, highlighting their destruction of land, forests, and river bodies, which benefit only a few at the expense of the majority.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle Constituency, spoke at the Kwame Nkrumah Festival (Nkrumahfest 2025) in Nkroful, Western Region, emphasizing the need to combat illegal mining, described as environmental terrorism. He stressed that the pollution of River Ankobra enriches a few while harming the larger community and urged Ghanaians to protect the environment.
The Minister highlighted the shutdown of Ghana Water Company treatment plants in certain regions as a call to action. He urged citizens to draw inspiration from Dr Kwame Nkrumah's vision for Ghana, noting that Nkrumah's projects aimed at long-term national development rather than short-term political gains. Mr Buah also extended gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for reinstating Founder's Day as a national holiday.
A keynote address by lawyer and historian Mr Anokye Frimpong called for a new leader from the Nzema area, symbolic of Nkrumah's legacy of African unity and progress. He paid homage to African pioneers and emphasized Nkrumah's significant impact on African geography and civilization.
Madam Abla Gzifa GomashIe, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, announced the government's adoption of Nkrumahfest as a national celebration, advocating for Ghana's leadership in Pan-Africanism. Meanwhile, Madam Samia Yaaba Nkrumah, daughter of Kwame Nkrumah, expressed gratitude to Mr Buah and President Mahama for their efforts in honoring her father's legacy.
Regional Ministers and local leaders also reflected on Nkrumah's vision for a united and self-reliant Africa. Calls for infrastructure development in the Ellembelle District were made, including a district hospital and a university to support the Petroleum Hub Development Project. The occasion was chaired by Nana Kobina Nketiah, who urged political unity and self-reliance as pathways to true freedom.
