Minerals Commission Restores Reclaimed Lands to Communities in Ghana
The Minerals Commission has reclaimed 175 acres of illegal mining land and returned it to three communities in Ghana. The effort aims to restore the environment and improve local livelihoods, with significant collaboration among community stakeholders. Key officials emphasized the importance of protecting these reclaimed lands for future generations.
The Minerals Commission of Ghana has officially handed over 175 acres of reclaimed illegal mining sites, known as galamsey, to three local communities: Sefwi Nambro, Nkatiso, and Surano “B”, located in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region. This initiative is part of the Lands Reclamation and Restoration Programme aimed at restoring severely degraded lands, thereby enhancing the socio-economic conditions of the affected communities.
A ceremonial event took place at Ogyeahohoo’s Palace in Sefwi Anhwiaso, involving key stakeholders, including traditional leaders and government officials. This gathering celebrated the successful restoration of the lands impacted by illegal mining activities. The efforts were supported by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and were designed to promote sustainable development and community welfare.
Mr. Stephen Abgo, the Deputy Manager and Community Relations representative of the Minerals Commission, expressed gratitude towards the local chiefs and communities for their steadfast collaboration, which contributed to the successful completion of the project. He emphasized the dual responsibility of mining for economic growth and the imperative to protect and rehabilitate the environment affected by such practices.
Highlighting the reclamation’s transformative potential, Mr. Abgo articulated that it offers a chance to restore ecosystems and create sustainable agricultural spaces for future generations. He urged community leaders to safeguard the reclaimed areas to validate the government’s substantial investment.
Mr. Thomas Tsibo-Darko, the project consultant, acknowledged the reclamation as a significant step towards ecological restoration and sustainable development, commending local stakeholders, particularly chiefs, for their essential contributions to the project’s success.
Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II, the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, appreciated the collaboration between the government and the Minerals Commission for this pivotal project. He identified illegal mining as a pervasive issue requiring collective action to mitigate its adverse effects on natural resources. He also affirmed the commitment of community leaders to protect the reclaimed lands for ongoing sustainable development efforts.
In summary, the Minerals Commission’s reclamation initiative has successfully restored 175 acres of illegally mined lands, benefiting local communities through improved socio-economic conditions. The collaborative efforts among government officials, traditional leaders, and local populations demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Moving forward, it is vital for community leaders to ensure the protection of these reclaimed areas to foster long-term ecological and economic benefits.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
