The Minerals Commission has reclaimed 175 acres of illegal mining sites and handed them over to three communities in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality, aiming to improve socio-economic conditions. The ceremony included key stakeholders, with emphasis on the importance of community protection of the restored lands and the impact of illegal mining on the environment.
The Minerals Commission of Ghana has officially handed over 175 acres of reclaimed illegal mining sites to three communities in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality, specifically Sefwi Nambro, Nkatiso, and Surano “B”. This initiative is part of the Lands Reclamation and Restoration Programme aimed at improving socio-economic conditions in these areas affected by illegal mining practices, known as galamsey.
The handing over ceremony was conducted at Ogyeahohoo’s Palace in Sefwi Anhwiaso, with the presence of key stakeholders, including traditional leaders and government officials. Mr. Stephen Abgo, the Deputy Manager for Community Relations at the Minerals Commission, commended the community leaders and residents for their support throughout the project, leading to its successful implementation.
Mr. Abgo emphasized the importance of mining in Ghana’s economic development while stressing the responsibility that comes with it to restore and protect the environment. He articulated that this reclamation effort serves to heal damaged lands and transform them into productive ecosystems, benefiting future generations.
In his remarks, Mr. Thomas Tsibo-Darko, the consultant for the project, acknowledged the commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable development, thanking community stakeholders for their significant contributions toward the project’s success. Meanwhile, Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II, the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, lauded the government and the Minerals Commission for their collaborative efforts.
Ogyeahohoo Gyebi II expressed concern over the issue of illegal mining, calling it a national crisis requiring collective action to address. He urged community leaders to prevent illegal mining activities that harm natural resources and pledged to safeguard the reclaimed lands for sustainable development.
The Minerals Commission’s reclamation of 175 acres of degraded land marks a crucial step in addressing the adverse effects of illegal mining. This initiative not only restores the environment but also improves the socio-economic conditions of the affected communities. Collaborative efforts between the government, community leaders, and stakeholders highlight the importance of sustainable development and the need to protect natural resources for future generations.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
