Minerals Commission hands over reclaimed galamsey lands
Some lands reclaimed from the scourge of illegal mining have been handed over to the chiefs and people in the Bosome Freho, Bosomtwe, and Asante Akyim Central districts in the Ashanti Region.
Some of the impacted towns are Asiwa Anyinase, Yapesa, Kokoben, and Adakabunso in the Bosome Freho District.
Others are Beposo in the Bosomtwe District and Odumase in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality.
The event took place before last Tuesday’s inauguration of President Mahama as head of a new government of the country.
The reclamation effort, spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources through the Minerals Commission, took off in 2021.
The Land Reclamation and Re-afforestation Programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources through the Minerals Commission, the main regulator of Ghana’s mining sector.
It has the additional mandate to manage the Land Reclamation and Re-afforestation Programme.
The Chief Executive of the Bosome Freho District Assembly, Kofi Adu Amoateng, thanked the reclamation team for the good work done.
He said it was a moment of relief to the people because the uncovered pits left by those engaged in illegal mining, commonly called galamsey, had become death traps to residents, especially during rainy seasons.
Mr Amoateng said the situation made it difficult for farmers to cultivate their lands.
Ending galamsey menace
The then Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, whose speech was read for him by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Samuel Tika, indicated that the government had put in a lot of effort to end the galamsey menace, but stressed that citizens also had a responsibility towards ensuring a sustainable environment.
He said, the Land Reclamation Programme was one of the initiatives that testified to the government's commitment to end the menace.
The Kwakyimanhene and representative of Kokofu Traditional Area, Nana Akwatia Obofourdom, who led the delegation of the chiefs and people of Ashanti Region at Asiwa in the Bosome Freho District to inspect the completed reclamation area, expressed gratitude for the intervention.
Nana Akwatia said it was a legacy, and urged the next generation to do the right things all the time.
Local guardianship
The project consultant, Thomas Tsibu-Darko, emphasised the need to strengthen the ongoing local guardianship.
He added that the success of the project relied on continuous stewardship from local authorities and members of the community.
He expressed confidence that the structures and partnerships established would support sustainable management and use of reclaimed lands.
The Chief of Konongo Odumasi, Dr Nana kofi Antwi, urged the government to help to refill other areas affected by the galamsey.
He also admonished the Minerals Commission to strengthen its collaboration with traditional authorities to help to check illegal mining in the country.