The Atwima Kwanwoma Municipal Assembly has commenced a major land reclamation exercise at abandoned illegal mining sites at Nweneso No.3 in the Ashanti Region, setting an ambitious target to restore approximately 100 acres of degraded land within six months.
The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Minerals Development Fund (MDF) and Danmark Prime Company Limited, forms part of renewed efforts to rehabilitate lands devastated by illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, and to safeguard the municipality’s environmental integrity.
Large portions of land at Nweneso and its adjoining communities have suffered extensive degradation as a result of unregulated mining operations, leaving behind deep pits, eroded soils and destroyed vegetation. The ongoing reclamation exercise is expected to restore vegetation cover, improve soil fertility and ultimately make the land suitable for productive economic use, particularly agriculture.
Upon assuming office, the Municipal Chief Executive for Atwima Kwanwoma, Hon. Grace Asamoah Agyeman, constituted a dedicated committee tasked with overseeing the reclamation of all abandoned galamsey pits across the municipality. The committee, working closely with officials from the MDF and Danmark Prime, recently toured affected sites at Nweneso II to assess the progress of work and evaluate the scope of further interventions required.
Chairman of the Reclamation Committee, Mr. Opoku Bediako Kinston, underscored the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to restoring all degraded lands within its jurisdiction. He emphasized that the exercise at Nweneso marks the beginning of a broader municipal campaign to reverse the environmental damage caused by illegal mining.
“The committee is working tirelessly to ensure that all persons who degraded the land through galamsey take responsibility for reclaiming it. We have started from Nweneso, but it will not end here. Every community affected by illegal mining will have its land restored,” he stated.
He further cautioned illegal miners against returning to encroach on reclaimed lands, warning that any individuals apprehended would face the full rigours of the law.
The District Environmental Officer, Mr. Ernest Boakye, expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the initiative. He noted that with sustained collaboration between stakeholders and community support, the municipality could successfully restore its degraded ecosystems.
“This is a very important intervention that will benefit the entire municipality. We urge residents to support the exercise so we can restore our environment. After reclamation, these lands can be used for farming and other productive activities,” he explained.
Danmark Prime Company Limited and the Minerals Development Fund are providing both financial and technical assistance for the project. The Operations Manager of Danmark Prime, Mr. Robert Dambo, indicated that the company’s participation aligns with the government’s broader environmental restoration agenda.
“Government is not against mining, but it must be done responsibly. When mining is carried out properly and the land is reclaimed afterwards, it helps restore vegetation and protect the environment. We are committed to supporting the Assembly to reclaim all abandoned galamsey lands and plant trees to fully restore the ecosystem,” he said.
The six-month reclamation target is expected to significantly improve environmental conditions in the municipality, rehabilitate farmlands and help restore livelihoods in communities whose agricultural activities and water bodies were severely affected by illegal mining operations.
The Assembly has reaffirmed its determination to ensure that environmental sustainability remains central to local development efforts, signalling a decisive step toward reversing the destructive legacy of galamsey in Atwima Kwanwoma.
