The successful reclamation of 320 hectares of mined-out land at Manso Nyankomanse in the Ashanti Region was visited by Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources. The government has promised to step up its aggressive land restoration campaign.
The 240 hectares of reclaimed land at Nyankomanse (Site One) and 80 hectares at Asare (Site Two) are a part of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative and the government’s nationwide reclamation goal.
Following the inspection, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah told the media that the government’s top priority in the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, is still land reclamation.
“These reclaimed lands will help restore ecological balance, improve land productivity, and contribute to the long-term socio-economic development of the affected communities,” he stated.
The Minister thanked the contractor, RM ECORESTORE GH LTD, for the high calibre of work completed and praised Newmont Ghana Limited for going above and beyond what was required of it.
He mentioned that in order to finish the restoration process, tree planting would start during the rainy season.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah emphasised that restoring damaged areas and ensuring a sustainable future required common responsibility and invited the business community to work with the government to lead similar projects.
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene praised the Minister’s audacious decision to take on galamsey, characterising the battle as difficult but doable with strong political will.
He reaffirmed that although the administration was not opposed to mining, it would continue to crack down on detrimental practices, and he promised the Region’s support for the government’s efforts.
In addition to thanking the government, the District Chief Executive and the Chief of Manso Nyankomanse pledged to protect the reclaimed lands from more damage.
According to government estimates, unlawful mining has destroyed over 5,500 hectares of land nationally, or 7,500 football fields.
Manso Nyankomanse’s reclamation is a component of a five-pronged plan to combat the problem; more ambitious initiatives in collaboration with the corporate sector are anticipated in 2026.
Source: newsthemegh.com