A total of 68.03 hectares of degraded lands had been reclaimed with re-vegetative oil palm and other economic trees under the government's Land Reclamation and Restoration Programme (LRLP).

The effort began in 2021 in the A on pilot basis to improve the livelihoods of the thousands of farmers in the area whose survival were affected by activities of illegal miners.

So far, two communities each in Central, Western North and Ashanti Regions have benefited.

The successful reclamation involved careful planning, innovative techniques and collaboration with environmental experts and the local communities.  

To ensure protection of the investment, an agreement was signed between the communities, District Assembly and the Minerals Commission at a short handing-over ceremony at the Omanhene of Atti-Morkwa's Palace.

Mr. Stephen Agbo, Deputy Manager of Community Relations of the Commission said mining had long been an essential driver for the growth of the Ghanaian economy, providing resources that promoted innovation and spur national growth.  

However, illegal mining had become a national canker which needed collective efforts to halt it.  

For that matter, he said the Commission was determined to fully implement multiple goals of reclaiming lost forest reserves, restoring the colour and quality of water bodies damaged by illegal mining activities, locally known as galamsey and protecting biodiversity across the country.

He said the reclaiming of the once-neglected mining sites in the two communities had now symbolised hope and opportunities for the communities.

“Let us also remember that our commitment to reclamation should extend beyond our own projects. We have a responsibility to share our knowledge and expertise with others in the mining sector.   

"By fostering a collective approach, we can elevate the standards of reclamation across the mining industry and ensure that we all contribute to a more sustainable future,” he urged stakeholders.  

Mr. Ibrahim Assani, Director of Human Resource and Administration said the move was key to restoring ecosystems by reintroducing native vegetation and stabilising soil, which improves biodiversity.

 Additionally, reclaimed lands could be repurposed for agriculture, recreation, or development, boosting local economies and creating jobs.

This process also contributes to climate change mitigation by acting as carbon sinks, reducing the risk of flooding, erosion and eliminating hazards such as sinkholes and toxic waste.

He said while reclamation ensures long-term land usability and prevents further exploitation by promoting accountability among miners, he charged chiefs to jealously protect the reclaimed lands to justify the investments made by the government.  

Nana Kyeahene, the Adontihene of Atti-Morkwa applauded the government and the Minerals Commission for embarking on the important exercise, saying its impact on the communities was immeasurable.  

He said the community-led sustainability and protection strategy by the Commission will foster better governance and ensure that restoration efforts are sustainable and beneficial to residents.

Abandoned mining pits pose significant risks, such as drowning hazards.

Reclamation could prevent such accidents and mitigate health issues associated with mining activities, the Chief said and committed the communities to protect the reclaimed lands for sustainable development.

Mr. Awal Suhuyini, the Atti-Morkwa District Coordinating Director was elated considering the socioeconomic impact and urged the traditional authorities to embark on tree planting exercises to green the environment.

He pledged the Assembly’s commitment to replan the community to make the place enviable and attract more investors.