Ghana steps up land reclamation drive with 320-hectare restoration

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inspected the successful reclamation of 320 hectares of degraded, mined-out lands at Manso Nyankomanse in the Ashanti Region.

During a visit to the site on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the Minister commended the completion of the project, describing it as a significant step in restoring lands destroyed by illegal mining activities.

Addressing the media ,  Armah-Kofi Buah said land reclamation remains a top priority for government, expressing satisfaction with the progress made so far.

According to him, government will continue to roll out reclamation programmes to restore vast tracts of land degraded by illegal mining activities across the country.

“I am delighted to be here today at Manso Nyankomanse in the Ashanti Region to inspect the reclamation of degraded mined-out sites undertaken as part of Government’s national reclamation agenda and the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative,” the Minister said.

He noted that a total of 320 hectares had been reclaimed under the initiative, covering Site One at Nyankomanse (240 hectares) and Site Two at Asare (80 hectares).

“These reclaimed lands will help restore ecological balance, improve land productivity, and contribute to the long-term socio-economic development of the affected communities,” he added.

The Minister expressed gratitude to Newmont Ghana Limited for supporting the successful completion of the reclamation exercise and called on other corporate entities to partner with government in similar initiatives.

This, he said, would help accelerate the collective restoration of the environment, which has suffered extensive damage from prolonged illegal mining activities.

“I commend Newmont Ghana Limited for supporting Government beyond its statutory obligations and for contributing meaningfully to national environmental restoration efforts,” he said.

He also acknowledged the contractor, RM ECORESTORE GH LTD, for the work done, adding that tree planting will commence during the rainy season to complete the restoration process.

“Together, through collaboration and shared responsibility, we can reclaim our lands, restore our water bodies, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come,” the Minister emphasised.

Speaking at the site, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, commended Mr Armah-Kofi Buah for his firm commitment to tackling illegal mining.

He noted that while the fight against galamsey has been challenging, he was encouraged by the Minister’s political will in addressing the menace.

Dr Amoakohene pledged his continued support, particularly in the Ashanti Region, stressing that although government is not opposed to mining, it will not tolerate activities that destroy the environment.

The District Chief Executive and the traditional ruler of the area also expressed appreciation to government and pledged their commitment to safeguarding the environment from destructive mining practices.

The reclamation of degraded lands forms part of government’s five-pronged strategy to combat illegal mining.

Government estimates indicate that about 5,500 hectares of land—equivalent to approximately 7,500 football fields—have been degraded by illegal mining nationwide. Authorities say this will be addressed through intensified land reclamation efforts in collaboration with the private sector.

The Minister was accompanied by his Special Advisor, Prof. J. S. Y. Kumah; Director of Forestry at the Ministry, Mr Joseph Osiakwan; Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh; Director of Operations at NAIMOS, Colonel Dominic Buah; the Minister’s Spokesperson, Mahmoud Kabore; and the Ministry’s Media Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf.