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Divine Nana Kwadwo Owusu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Divine Nana Owusu Mining Company, has expressed deep frustration over the disruptive activities of illegal “dig and wash” miners at his company’s 300-acre land reclamation site in Konongo. According to Mr. Owusu, the illegal miners are persistently undermining efforts to restore the land and plant coconut seedlings as part of a broader environmental restoration initiative.
During an inspection tour of the site, organized by the Nyaboo Traditional Council, the CEO, alongside workers from the mining company, revealed the difficulties they have faced due to the illegal mining activities. The inspection was intended to showcase the company’s ongoing efforts to reclaim the land from the destruction left behind by illegal mining, commonly referred to as *galamsey*. The company is working to convert the previously damaged land into a productive coconut plantation, aimed at both ecological restoration and economic sustainability.
“Our goal is to reclaim this land and plant coconut seedlings to make the land useful again,” Mr. Owusu stated. “However, the illegal miners keep invading the site. Their activities have caused extensive damage to the land, making it extremely challenging for us to complete the reclamation exercise.”
He lamented that there was a point when the situation had nearly forced him to abandon the reclamation project. However, his commitment to environmental protection and future generations pushed him to continue the initiative despite the obstacles. Mr. Owusu emphasized that these illegal activities were not only damaging the land but also jeopardizing the long-term benefits of their reclamation efforts, which aim to restore the land for agricultural use and economic empowerment of the community.
*A Plea for Government Support*
Mr. Owusu used the opportunity to call on the government and the Asante Akyem District Assembly to step in with enhanced security measures to protect the reclamation site. He explained that without proper security, the company’s efforts could be rendered ineffective, as the illegal miners repeatedly return to the area despite previous interventions.
“I am calling on the government, particularly the Asante Akyem District Assembly, to intervene and provide us with security protection. We are doing everything we can to restore the land, but without the necessary security, we fear the illegal miners will keep coming back,” Mr. Owusu stressed.
He added that the fight against illegal mining, or *galamsey*, requires the active involvement of all stakeholders, including local authorities and the national government. Without their support, the illegal miners will continue to damage the land and hinder legitimate mining and environmental restoration efforts.
*Traditional Authorities Weigh In*
The Regent and Adontenhene of Nyaboo, Nana Obeng Ampem Darko (II), who was part of the inspection tour, also called on the government to take more decisive action to address the galamsey problem, which continues to pose a significant threat to both legal mining operations and the environment.
Nana Obeng Ampem Darko (II) emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the fight against illegal mining to protect legitimate businesses and ensure that their hard work is not destroyed by the reckless activities of galamsey operators.
“The fight against illegal mining must be given greater attention,” the traditional ruler remarked. “We cannot allow these galamseyers to destroy the land and make it impossible for responsible companies to carry out their operations. The government needs to take stronger action to put an end to this menace.”
*Progress Despite Challenges*
Despite the challenges, the Divine Nana Owusu Mining Company has made notable progress in its land reclamation efforts. Large portions of the land have already been filled, and coconut seedlings have been planted to rehabilitate the area. The coconut plantation is part of the company’s broader vision to restore the land and provide economic opportunities for the local community.
The company’s reclamation initiative aligns with the national agenda to restore lands affected by illegal mining activities. If successful, the project will not only enhance the environmental landscape but also contribute to local economic growth through the production of coconut and other cash crops.
However, Mr. Owusu remains concerned about the ongoing threat posed by illegal miners. He reiterated his call for the government, traditional authorities, and the local community to support the company’s efforts and ensure that the reclaimed land is protected from future encroachment by illegal miners.
“We believe that with the support of the local community, traditional authorities, and the government, we can successfully reclaim and restore this 300-acre site. But it will take collective action to ensure that the land remains protected from illegal activities,” Mr. Owusu concluded.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
