A/R: 800-acre Galamsey Site Reclaimed

About 800 acres of land degraded by illegal mining at Nyankumase in the Manso Adubia District in the Ashanti Region have been reclaimed, marking a major step in the government’s fight against galamsey and environmental destruction.

The reclamation forms part of the government’s broader commitment to restore lands destroyed by years of unregulated mining, commonly called galamsey, and to return them to productive use for agriculture and other economic activities.

Since assuming office in 2025, President John Dramani Mahama has placed strong emphasis on reversing the environmental damage caused by illegal mining through what the government describes as the Galamsey Rehabilitation Initiative.

The initiative focuses on transforming abandoned and mined-out sites into viable farmlands, forest plantations, and other development-friendly zones that can support local livelihoods.

At an inspection of the Nyankumase reclamation project, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Andrews Tandoh, and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, outlined the measures the government had put in place to safeguard water bodies and to protect lands from further degradation.

He said the Manso Adubia site, which spans 800 acres, had been planted with cassia and teak trees as part of a long-term plan to retire the land and restore its ecological balance.

Visible Damage
The scars of galamsey was visible, with open pits filled with muddy water, streams turned brown with silt, and cocoa farms swallowed by gravel.

Reclamation Works
The reclamation works are being carried out by RM Ecorestore Ghana Limited, a company supporting the Government of Ghana in reclaiming and revegetating degraded and mined-out areas across the country.

According to the minister, the choice of tree species was intended not only to restore the vegetation but also to provide future economic value through sustainable forestry.

Mr Armah-Kofi Buah stated that, beyond environmental recovery, the project was expected to create jobs and stimulate economic activity in surrounding communities.

He added that several other degraded sites across the country had been earmarked for similar interventions under the “Tree for Life” project.

The minister stressed that the government remained resolute in its fight against illegal mining and would not relent in protecting the country’s natural resources.

He mentioned that complementary programmes such as Tree for Life and Blue Water were designed to reinforce the government’s broader agenda of ecological sustainability.

These initiatives, he said, aimed to restore forest cover, protect river bodies, and ensure a healthier environment for present and future generations.

Supervision
The Ashanti Regional Minister gave the assurance that he would closely follow up on the project to ensure its sustainability.

He tasked the District Chief Executive of the area, Benjamin Marfo, to continuously liaise with his office to find a lasting solution to the environmental degradation in the community.

Current Situation
Illegal mining continues to take a heavy toll on Ghana’s rivers, farmlands and forest reserves, with many communities bearing the brunt of polluted water and destroyed livelihoods.

Despite the serious health and environmental consequences, galamsey activities persist in many areas, posing a major challenge to authorities.

Government officials say the intensified reclamation efforts signal a renewed determination not only to stop illegal mining but also heal the scars it has left on the landscape.

The Nyankumase project, the minister reckoned, stood as a clear example of how degraded lands could be restored and put back to productive use.

The Chief of Manso Adubia, Nana Doku Appiah Dankwah II, lauded President Mahama for his commitment and dedication towards enhancing the ecosystem of the country.

Nana Doku praised the projects and initiatives by the government aimed at fighting galamsey, saying the various efforts had started showing results.

He added that with support from other stakeholders, President Mahama and Ghana would win the fight against galamsey.

Source: Graphic

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