In keeping with a tradition that has existed between the Ministry and its media partners for the past few years, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Tuesday, 2nd January 2024 treated members of its press corps to a delightful engagement that served as a platform for reflection and stock-taking of 2023 and the outlook for 2024.

Journalists who have for the past years dedicated their time and resources to providing accurate and objective reportage on the Ministry and its activities were celebrated by the Ministry for their commitment and also reminded of their integral role in serving as the point of convergence between the Ministry and the public.

In a speech read on behalf of the Sector Minister, Benito Owusu-Bio, the Deputy Minister responsible for Lands and Forestry, praised the incredible work done by the Media so far noting that the Ministry’s amiable relationship and positive perception among Ghanaians is due to the consistently high display of professionalism and a high sense of journalism practice by its Press Corps.

While expressing appreciation for the Ministry for the work of its press corps in covering issues relating to the lands, forest, and Mineral resources of the country, Benito Owusu-Bio insisted that the Lands Ministry will continue to explore ways of strengthening its relationship with the press corps and providing opportunities that will enhance the professional lives.

He hoped that the display of respect, candour, and professionalism between the Ministry and its press corps would continue this year, 2024, and also wished the journalists success in their personal lives.

The Deputy Minister gave the media practitioners an insight into the Ministry’s plans for the year which include monitoring and evaluating some of the major interventions implemented by the Ministry in the areas of land, forest, and mining particularly, the flagship Green Ghana Project, the ongoing Community Mining Schemes dotted across the country as well as 80-90% complete Appiatse Reconstruction project.

He explained that while some of these interventions have yielded significant results, there remain some challenges which with the effective collaboration of the media will be dealt with.

“Let me take this opportunity, on behalf of the Sector Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor, to commend you highly for your role in promoting and shaping discourse as well as providing the needed awareness in the management and utilisation of the nation's land, forest, and wildlife resources and also the efficient management of the country's mineral resources for socio-economic development.

“The Ministry cherishes this partnership with you, Members of the Press Corps, and at this point, I wish to express our commitment to fostering closer relations with the media in disseminating the Ministry’s programmes and projects at all levels.

“Indeed, the Ministry views the media as an indispensable arm of its work and will continue engaging with the Press Corps to keep Ghanaians informed about the operations of the Ministry,” he said.

The Technical Director in charge of Mining, Mr. Peter Awuah commended the media for the support in the area of illegal mining and appealed for further assistance as the Ministry ramped up efforts in combating the menace.

Similar sentiments were echoed by the Technical Director in charge of Forestry, Mr. Joseph Osiakwah who emphasised the call on the media for their support in the area of forestry, especially illegal logging, and also used the platform to outline some major statutory events in the Forestry sub-sector.

The Dean of the Press Corps, Mr. Timothy Ngnenbe of the Graphic Communications Group Limited expressed gratitude to the Ministry for always availing itself to the Media and providing support to members where necessary.

He assured that the Press Corps will continue to uphold its tenants of commitment, and hard work to fulfill its obligations to the Ministry and to a larger extent Ghanaians.

He also appealed to the Ministry to avail itself to members of the Press Corps whenever necessary and ensure a seamless flow of information to facilitate the smooth operation of all Journalists.