The Central Regional Minister Ekow Okyere Panyin has handed over 100 acres of land to 30 former illegal miners to start commercial farming and also to replant trees in Oboyoo Forest Reserve near Akim Achiase in the Eastern Region.
The land was allocated by the Forestry Commission as part of the government’s reclamation efforts.
In an interview with Adom News, the Minister revealed that, the 30 people a few months ago were caught mining in water bodies and during interrogation, they pledged to go into commercial farming if they get the needed support.
Mr. Okyere said he was touched by their commitment, prompting the intervention and support.
He called for a collective effort to make the fight against illegal mining popularly known as galamsey a success.
The Range Supervisor at the Forestry Commission, Emmanuel Peprah announced that the farmers will own 40 trees out of every 100 planted.
Meanwhile, some of the beneficiaries acknowledged the devastation they have caused to the environment and water bodies.
They appealed to government to make farming attractive to the youth to discourage people from engaging in galamsey.
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