The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, in partnership with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has commenced land reclamation exercises in areas affected by illegal mining in the region.
The Council says almost 100 acres of land have already been reclaimed in the Bosome Freho District.
The project seeks to restore lands degraded by “galamsey” operations across the region. The exercise is being carried out with support from the National Security, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and the Minerals Development Fund.
Speaking to the media during an inspection in the Bosome Freho District of the Ashanti Region, the Deputy Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, Alhaji Abubakar Nje, said the initiative is a directive from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to ensure degraded lands are recovered.
He explained that a committee was constituted in the Ashanti Region under the leadership of the Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, to oversee the reclamation of affected lands.
Mr. Nje further disclosed that an application portal was opened to the general public, especially miners, with the capacity to carry out the exercise. Over 200 entities applied, with 33 approved to participate.
He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing land reclamation exercise in the Bosome Freho District.
“So far so good, some of the farmers who lost their lands are happy that they have their lands back. They want to return to farming,” he said.
The Deputy security coordinator cautioned illegal miners to desist from revisiting the reclaimed lands.
“We’re going to seriously take action against persons who will revisit the reclaimed lands,” he said.
Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive for Bosome Freho, Charles Appiah Kubi, said abandoned mining pits in the area have claimed the lives of three individuals in the past few months.
He added that the assembly is committed to ensuring that all reclaimed pits are protected and secured to prevent further incidents.
Also speaking, Matthias Darah, a small-scale miner involved in the exercise, said they are ready to support the government’s efforts.
He added that most of the recovered pits will regain their lost nutrients through the reclamation process.
