The Minerals Commission has handed over 175 acres of reclaimed illegal mining (galamsey) sites to three communities in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region.
The degraded lands were restored under the Lands Reclamation and Restoration Programme, implemented at Sefwi Nambro, Nkatiso, and Surano “B” communities.
The government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission, undertook the reclamation exercise to restore degraded galamsey sites and improve the socio-economic well-being of affected communities.
A handing-over ceremony at Ogyeahohoo’s Palace in Sefwi Anhwiaso brought together key stakeholders, including traditional leaders and government officials, to mark the successful completion of the project.
Stephen Abgo, Deputy Manager of Community Relations at the Minerals Commission, commended the chiefs and residents for their support and collaboration. He emphasized that while mining had long contributed to Ghana’s economy, it also came with the responsibility of protecting and restoring the land.
“The reclamation presents an opportunity to heal the earth, transform disturbed landscapes into thriving vegetation, and create spaces that benefit communities for generations,” he said.
He urged traditional leaders to protect the reclaimed lands to justify the government’s investment.
Thomas Tsibo-Darko, the project consultant, highlighted the importance of restoring lands destroyed by unsafe mining practices, emphasizing the commitment to ecological recovery and sustainable development.
Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II, Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area and President of the National House of Chiefs, praised the government and the Minerals Commission for their efforts, describing the impact as immeasurable.
He stressed the need for collective action against illegal mining, warning his chiefs against activities that destroy water bodies, forest reserves, and cocoa farmlands. He also pledged the commitment of the communities to protect the reclaimed lands for sustainable development.
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