320 Hectares of Degraded Land Restored in Ashanti Region – Lands Minister
By: Maame Efua Kwaduah
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has stressed the crucial role of land reclamation in reversing the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, following the successful restoration of 320 hectares of degraded land at Manso Nyankomanse in the Ashanti Region.
The reclaimed area includes 240 hectares at Nyankomanse (Site One) and 80 hectares at Asare (Site Two), undertaken under the government’s national reclamation agenda and the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative.
Speaking to the press after inspecting the sites Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah emphasised that restoring degraded lands is essential to protect ecological balance, improve soil productivity and support the socio-economic development of local communities.
The Minister commended Newmont Ghana Limited for going beyond its statutory obligations to support the project and praised RM ECORESTORE GH LTD, the contractor, for the quality of work executed.
He announced that tree planting would begin during the upcoming rainy season to complete the restoration process.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah also called on corporate organisations to join government efforts, highlighting that collective responsibility is key to reclaiming degraded lands and securing a sustainable future.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister lauded the Minister’s commitment to combating galamsey, describing the fight as challenging but achievable through strong political will.
He pledged the Region’s full support and reiterated that while the government is not opposed to responsible mining, it would continue to clamp down on destructive practices.
The District Chief Executive and the Chief of Manso Nyankomanse expressed gratitude to the government and committed to safeguarding the reclaimed areas from further degradation.
Government estimates indicate that illegal mining has destroyed about 5,500 hectares nationwide, equivalent to roughly 7,500 football fields.
The Manso Nyankomanse project forms part of a five-pronged strategy to reverse the impact of galamsey, with more aggressive land reclamation programmes planned in 2026, in partnership with the private sector.
