Armah Kofi Buah Leads Restoration Exercise…Reclaims 610 Football Fields of Galamsey-Degraded Land at Nyankumase.

In a decisive move to address the environmental scars of illegal mining, President John Dramani Mahama has overseen the reclamation of 800 acres of degraded land at Nyankumase, located in the Manso Adubia District of the Ashanti Region.

This milestone signals a robust escalation in the government’s campaign against “galamsey” and its commitment to ecological restoration.

Galamsey Rehabilitation Initiative:

Since the commencement of his term in 2025, President Mahama has prioritized the Galamsey Rehabilitation Initiative.

This strategic program aims to reverse years of environmental neglect by transforming abandoned, mined-out craters into fertile landscapes suitable for agriculture and forestry.

The overarching goal is to return these lands to the hands of local communities, ensuring they once again become viable assets for economic growth and food security.

Field Inspection and Technical Strategy:

During an inspection of the Nyankumase site on Wednesday, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, detailed the government’s rigorous approach to land recovery.

Reforestation:

The 800-acre site has been replanted with cassia and teak trees.

These species were selected for their ability to restore soil stability and their potential for long-term economic value through sustainable timber harvesting.

Expert Partnerships:

The reclamation is being executed by RM Ecorestore Ghana Limited, a specialized firm partnering with the government to spearhead revegetation efforts across the country.

Water Security:

Hon. Buah emphasized that the project is intrinsically linked to protecting local water bodies, which have been severely impacted by heavy metal pollution from illegal mining.

A Broader Vision for Sustainability

The Minister underscored that the Nyankumase project is not an isolated event. It serves as a blueprint for several other earmarked sites nationwide.

To reinforce these efforts, the government has introduced two complementary programs:

Tree for Life:

Focused on aggressive reforestation and restoring Ghana’s depleted forest cover.

Blue Water:

Dedicated to the purification and protection of river bodies vital for domestic and agricultural use.

“Government remains resolute. We will not relent in our duty to protect Ghana’s natural heritage,” Hon. Buah stated, noting that these projects are designed to create local employment while healing the landscape.

Path Ahead:

While galamsey persists as a significant challenge to Ghana’s rivers and livelihoods, the successful restoration at Nyankumase offers a tangible success story.

By moving beyond mere enforcement to active ecological healing, the administration aims to demonstrate that even the most devastated landscapes can be salvaged for the benefit of future generations.

Story by Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi.