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In a significant step towards addressing the environmental challenges posed by illegal mining, lands reclaimed from the scourge of galamsey have been officially handed over to the chiefs and people in several districts across the Ashanti Region.
The affected areas include towns in the Bosome Freho, Bosomtwe, and Asante Akyim Central districts.
Among the communities benefiting from the reclamation initiative are Asiwa Anyinase, Yapesa, Kokoben, and Adakabunso in the Bosome Freho District; Beposo in the Bosomtwe District; and Odumase in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality.
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This initiative, part of the government’s Land Reclamation and Re-afforestation Programme, was a key development that took place before the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama as head of a new government.
The reclamation project, which began in 2021, was spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources through the Minerals Commission. It seeks to restore lands previously destroyed by illegal mining activities and to reinstate these lands for productive use by local communities.
Kofi Adu Amoateng, the Chief Executive of the Bosome Freho District Assembly, expressed immense gratitude to the reclamation team, noting that the recovered lands offered relief to residents who had long struggled with the dangers posed by uncovered pits left by illegal miners. These pits had become death traps, especially during the rainy season, and posed significant risks to farmers attempting to cultivate their land. With the reclamation, these hazards have been mitigated, allowing the land to once again be viable for agricultural use.
The former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, whose speech was read on his behalf by Samuel Tika, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the environment.
He stated that the Land Reclamation Programme was one of several initiatives to combat the galamsey menace, underscoring the shared responsibility between the government and the citizens in ensuring a sustainable environment.
The ceremony also included an inspection by Nana Akwatia Obofourdom, the Kwakyimanhene and representative of the Kokofu Traditional Area.
He led a delegation of chiefs and local leaders from the Ashanti Region to view the completed reclamation work in Asiwa, Bosome Freho District.
He praised the project as a positive legacy for future generations, urging all to respect the environment and engage in responsible practices to prevent further damage.
Project consultant Thomas Tsibu-Darko emphasised the importance of ongoing local oversight to ensure the success of the reclamation efforts.
He explained that the collaboration between local authorities and the community would play a critical role in maintaining the sustainability of the reclaimed lands. Tsibu-Darko expressed confidence that with the right stewardship, the lands would continue to be used productively for generations to come.
Dr. Nana Kofi Antwi, the Chief of Konongo Odumasi, also weighed in on the project, calling for additional assistance from the government to refill other areas severely affected by galamsey. He urged the Minerals Commission to deepen its collaboration with traditional authorities to strengthen efforts in curbing illegal mining in the country.
This landmark initiative represents a vital step towards restoring the environmental integrity of Ghana’s mining regions, ensuring that reclaimed lands can once again support local communities and contribute to sustainable development. The collaboration between the government, local leaders, and communities signals a unified approach to tackling the galamsey menace and promoting the well-being of future generations.
