Lands minister inspects reclamation of 320 hectares as government intensifies fight against galamsey

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inspected the successful reclamation of 320 hectares of degraded land at Manso Nyankomanse in the Ashanti Region, assuring that government will step up land restoration efforts as part of the fight against illegal mining.

The reclaimed land covers 240 hectares at Nyankomanse (Site One) and 80 hectares at Asare (Site Two), carried out under the government’s national reclamation programme and the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative.

Speaking to the media after the inspection on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said land reclamation remains a key priority in addressing the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, popularly referred to as galamsey.

“These reclaimed lands will restore ecological balance, enhance land productivity and support the long-term socio-economic development of the affected communities,” he noted.

The Minister commended Newmont Ghana Limited for supporting the project beyond its statutory obligations and praised RM ECORESTORE GH LTD, the contractor, for delivering quality work. He added that tree planting would begin during the rainy season to complete the restoration process.

Mr Armah-Kofi Buah called on corporate organisations to partner with government on similar initiatives, stressing that collective responsibility is crucial to reclaim degraded lands and ensure environmental sustainability.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, praised the Lands Minister’s commitment to combating galamsey, describing the fight as challenging but achievable with strong political will. He assured the Region’s support, emphasising that while government supports responsible mining, it will continue to clamp down on destructive practices.

The District Chief Executive and the Chief of Manso Nyankomanse also expressed appreciation to government and pledged to protect the reclaimed lands from further degradation.

Government estimates show that about 5,500 hectares of land—equivalent to roughly 7,500 football fields—have been destroyed nationwide due to illegal mining.

The Manso Nyankomanse project forms part of a broader five-pronged strategy to reverse the effects of galamsey, with more aggressive reclamation programmes expected in 2026 through partnerships with the private sector.