By The Minerals Commission has handed over reclaimed galamsey sites to three communities. These communities are within the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region. The handover took place at a ceremony held at Ogyeahoho’s Palace in Sefwi Anhwiaso.
The Lands Reclamation and Restoration Programme has restored a total of 175 acres of degraded lands. This was implemented by the Minerals Commission at Sefwi Nambro, Nkatiso, and Surano “B”. All these areas are in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality.
The reclamation exercise is an initiative of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources through the Minerals Commission. It aims to restore degraded galamsey sites. The vision is to improve the socio-economic life of the people in the affected communities.
The handover ceremony in the Municipality brought together all key stakeholders. This included traditional leaders from the affected communities and other government officials. The event marked the successful reclamation of the degraded galamsey lands.
During the ceremony, Stephen Abgo, the Deputy Manager in charge of Community Relations of the Minerals Commission, spoke. He expressed appreciation to the chiefs and people of the beneficiary communities. He thanked them for their unflinching support and collaboration during the implementation of the project. This collaboration culminated in a successful completion and handover.
He stated that mining had long been an essential driver for the growth of the Ghanaian economy. It provided resources that promoted innovation and spurred national growth. However, mining came with a responsibility to protect and restore lands affected by mining activities.
He said successful reclamation involved careful planning, innovation techniques and collaboration with environmental experts and the local communities.
Mr Abgo asserted that the reclamation marked the end of mine closure. However, it presented an opportunity to heal the earth. It could transform disturbed landscapes into thriving vegetables and ecosystems. It also aimed to create spaces that benefit communities for generations to come. He urged the chiefs of the various communities. They must jealously protect the reclaimed lands. This will justify the investment made by the government.
Ecological recovery
The consultant for the project, Thomas Tsibo-Darko, said the reclamation of the lands destroyed by unsafe mining was an endeavour. It represented a commitment to ecological recovery. It also represented sustainable development.
He expressed appreciation to the various stakeholders in the affected communities. He particularly thanked the chiefs for their pivotal roles in the successful completion.
The Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi ll, praised the government and the Minerals Commission. They collaborated to embark on this important exercise. He said its impact in the communities was immeasurable.
He said illegal mining had become a national canker which needed collaborative efforts to bring to an end.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi ll is also the President of the National House of Chiefs. He warned all his chiefs against illegal mining activities. These activities destroy our water bodies, forest reserves, and cocoa farmlands. He pledged the commitment of the communities to protect the reclaimed lands for sustainable development.
