Officials of the Minerals Commission in an engagement with the traditional authorities
The Minerals Commission has handed over 175 acres of reclaimed illegal mining (galamsey) sites to three communities within the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region.
The degraded lands were restored under the Lands Reclamation and Restoration Programme implemented by the Minerals Commission 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 with the vision of improving the socio-economic lives of the people in the affected communities.
A handing-over ceremony, held at Ogyeahohoo’s Palace in Sefwi Anhwiaso, brought together key stakeholders, including traditional leaders from the affected communities and other government officials, to mark the successful reclamation of the degraded galamsey lands.
Mr. Stephen Abgo, Deputy Manager of Community Relations at the Minerals Commission, expressed appreciation to the chiefs and people of the beneficiary communities for their unwavering support and collaboration during the implementation of the project, culminating in its successful completion and handover.
He stated that mining had long been an essential driver of Ghana’s economic growth, providing resources that promoted innovation and spurred national development. However, the practice came with the responsibility to protect and restore lands.
According to him, the reclamation presented an opportunity to heal the earth, transform disturbed landscapes into thriving vegetation and ecosystems, and create spaces that would benefit communities for generations to come.
Mr. Abgo said the successful reclamation involved careful planning, innovative techniques, and collaboration with environmental experts and local communities.
He urged the chiefs of the various communities to jealously protect the reclaimed lands to justify the government’s investment.
Mr. Thomas Tsibo-Darko, Consultant for the project, said reclaiming lands destroyed by unsafe mining was an endeavor that represented a commitment to ecological recovery and sustainable development.
He expressed gratitude to the various stakeholders in the affected communities, particularly the chiefs, for their pivotal roles in ensuring the successful completion of the project.
For his part, Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II, the Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, praised the government and the Minerals Commission for their collaborative efforts in undertaking this important exercise, saying its impact on the communities was immeasurable.
He said illegal mining had become a national canker that required collective efforts to curb.
Ogyeahohoo Gyebi II, who is also the President of the National House of Chiefs, warned all his chiefs against engaging in illegal mining activities that destroy water bodies, forest reserves, and cocoa farmlands. He pledged the commitment of the communities to protect the reclaimed lands for sustainable development.