Choicenewsonline Your Choice Is Here
Traditional leaders of the Nyaboo community have commended Divine Nana Owusu Mining Company for its voluntary land reclamation efforts aimed at restoring areas devastated by illegal mining, locally known as galamsey. The company’s initiative has been a significant step in reversing the environmental damage caused by unregulated mining activities in the area.
Nana Obeng Ampem Darko II, the Adontenhene of Nyaboo, speaking on behalf of the traditional council, lauded the company’s perseverance and commitment in the face of challenges. He highlighted the company’s dedication to ensuring that the lands are restored to their original state, despite the risks and obstacles.
“We appreciate the good work of Divine Nana Owusu Mining Company. Their efforts to reclaim the land and restore it to its natural state, despite the challenges, deserve commendation,” Nana Obeng Ampem Darko II stated.
*Ongoing Reclamation Efforts*
For the past three years, Divine Nana Owusu Mining Company has been leading a land reclamation exercise to restore large portions of land in the Nyaboo community that had been damaged by illegal miners. These miners, in their bid to extract gold, left the land deforested and the soil severely degraded. Water bodies in the area were also contaminated, leaving a trail of environmental destruction that has affected both agriculture and the livelihoods of the local population.
Nana Kwadwo Owusu, CEO of Divine Nana Owusu Mining Company, expressed his company’s deep concern over the impact of galamsey on the community’s environment and emphasized their commitment to reversing the damage. He also noted that the reclamation process has been carried out without substantial support from the local authorities.
“This reclamation exercise is our contribution to reversing the damage caused by illegal miners in Nyaboo. The destruction is extensive, but we are committed to restoring the land for future generations,” Nana Kwadwo Owusu affirmed.
*Challenges and Harassment*
Despite the company’s commendable efforts, Nana Kwadwo Owusu revealed that the project has been fraught with challenges. In particular, the company’s workers have been harassed by some local youth who are still involved in illegal mining activities. According to Nana Kwadwo Owusu, these individuals often return to the reclaimed lands under the cover of darkness to continue their mining operations, which undermines the progress made by the reclamation team.
“We face challenges, including harassment from some youth who return at night to mine the land we have reclaimed. It undermines our progress and puts our workers at risk,” Nana Kwadwo Owusu lamented.
He further called on the traditional council and local authorities to intervene and put measures in place to prevent illegal miners from encroaching on reclaimed lands.
*Call to Action**
Nana Obeng Ampem Darko II also appealed to local farmers to stop selling their lands to illegal miners, warning that such short-term gains would have devastating long-term consequences for the community. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the environment for future generations and urged landowners to collaborate with efforts to restore the land.
“The issue of galamsey has become a canker that is destroying our community. I appeal to all farmers to stop selling their lands to illegal miners. We must safeguard the future of this community,” Nana Obeng Ampem Darko II urged.
The traditional leader also called on local authorities to provide the necessary support and protection for companies like Divine Nana Owusu Mining, whose reclamation efforts are critical in reversing the damage caused by galamsey.
*Looking Ahead*
The reclamation project led by Divine Nana Owusu Mining Company is viewed as a significant step in addressing the environmental crisis caused by galamsey. The company has already planted over 5,000 coconut seedlings and various tree species as part of an afforestation initiative to rejuvenate the land. However, the success of the project will depend on continued collaboration between the community, local authorities, and the government.
With the right support, there is hope that Divine Nana Owusu Mining Company’s work will inspire other communities affected by illegal mining to embark on similar reclamation efforts. The company remains optimistic that the government and local authorities will recognize the importance of their work and provide the necessary resources to ensure the sustainability of the reclamation exercise.
*Key Points:*
Divine Nana Owusu Mining Company has been restoring land destroyed by illegal mining in Nyaboo for four years.
The company has faced harassment from illegal miners who encroach on reclaimed lands at night.
Over 5,000 coconut seedlings and trees have been planted as part of the reclamation project.
Traditional leaders have called on the community to stop selling lands to illegal miners and urged local authorities to intervene to protect reclaimed lands.
