The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inspected the successful reclamation of 320 hectares of mined-out lands at Manso Nyankomanse in the Ashanti Region, with the government’s assurance to intensify its aggressive land restoration drive.
The reclaimed sites, comprising 240 hectares at Nyankomanse (Site One) and 80 hectares at Asare (Site Two), form part of the government’s national reclamation agenda and the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative.
Addressing the press after the inspection, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said land reclamation remained a top priority for the government in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
“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 commended Newmont Ghana Limited for supporting the project beyond its statutory obligations, and expressed gratitude to RM ECORESTORE GH LTD, the contractor, for the quality of work executed.
He noted that tree planting would commence during the rainy season to complete the restoration process.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah urged the corporate community to collaborate with the government in spearheading similar initiatives, stressing that collective responsibility was crucial to reclaiming degraded lands and securing a sustainable future.
Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, lauded the Minister’s bold commitment to tackling galamsey, describing the fight as challenging but achievable with strong political will.
He pledged the Region’s support to the government’s efforts, reiterating that while the government was not against mining, it would continue to clamp down on destructive practices.
The District Chief Executive and the Chief of Manso Nyankomanse also expressed appreciation to the government, promising to safeguard the reclaimed lands against further destruction.
The government estimates that about 5,500 hectares of land, equivalent to 7,500 football fields, have been lost to illegal mining nationwide.
The reclamation at Manso Nyankomanse is part of a five-prong strategy to reverse the scourge, with more aggressive programmes expected in 2026 in partnership with the private sector.
