The Minerals Commission Ghana has officially handed over 159 hectares of reclaimed mining lands to seven communities in the Ashanti Region, marking a significant milestone in land restoration efforts. The ceremony took place in Asiwa, within the Bosome Freho District, and forms part of the government’s broader initiative to rehabilitate degraded lands and enhance socio-economic development in mining-affected areas.
The reclaimed sites, which span communities such as Asiwa, Adakabunso, Yapeesa Kokoben, and Anyinase, as well as locations in Bosomtwe and Asante-Akim Central municipalities, are part of the Land Reclamation and Restoration Programme spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Minerals Commission.
To date, the program has restored 493 hectares across the Ashanti, Western North, and Central regions. The initiative aims to not only repair ecological damage caused by mining but also to create sustainable opportunities for local communities.
Samuel Tika, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, emphasized the dual role of mining in driving economic growth and ensuring environmental stewardship. He highlighted the importance of reclamation as a transformative process to restore landscapes and ecosystems, aligning with community aspirations for sustainability.
“This reclamation effort symbolizes healing and renewal, turning disturbed landscapes into thriving ecosystems. It’s a collaborative endeavor that requires dialogue with communities to align efforts with their vision for a better future,” Tika stated.
Traditional leaders, including Nana Korteabofour Dom II, pledged their commitment to safeguarding the restored lands, emphasizing their importance for future generations. Stakeholders were urged to protect the reclaimed areas from illegal mining activities to ensure the sustainability of the investments made.
District Chief Executive for Bosome Freho, Kofi Adu Amoateng, praised the initiative, describing the transformed sites as beacons of hope for affected communities. He stressed the need for a collective approach to combat illegal mining and maximize the impact of the reclamation efforts.
The successful reclamation underscores Ghana’s commitment to sustainable mining practices and serves as a model for addressing the environmental impact of resource extraction, ensuring long-term benefits for communities and the environment.
