The Minerals Commission has officially handed over 159 hectares of reclaimed mining sites to seven communities in the Ashanti Region during a ceremony held at Asiwa in the Bosome Freho District. The reclaimed lands are part of the Commission's ongoing efforts to restore degraded mining sites under its Land Reclamation and Restoration Programme.

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The restored lands, totaling 159 hectares, are located in various communities including Asiwa, Adakabunso, Yapeesa Kokoben, Anyinase, and Adakabunso 2 within the Bosome Freho District. Other reclaimed sites are in Beposo, Bosomtwe District, and Odumase in the Asante-Akim Central Municipality.

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The reclamation initiative, undertaken by the government through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission, aims to reverse the environmental damage caused by mining while improving the socio-economic conditions of the affected communities.

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So far, the Commission has successfully restored 493 hectares of degraded lands across the Ashanti, Western North, and Central Regions, furthering the goal of land restoration and enhancing livelihoods in mining-affected areas.The ceremony, which marked the completion of the reclamation in the Ashanti Region, brought together key stakeholders, including traditional leaders from the seven beneficiary communities.

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In his address, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Samuel Tika, emphasized the crucial role mining plays in Ghana's economic growth while stressing the importance of land restoration after mining activities."Mining has long been an essential driver for the growth of the Ghanaian economy, providing resources that promoted innovation and spur national growth.

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However, mining comes with the responsibility to protect and restore lands affected by mining activities," Tika stated.He noted that the reclamation process signifies the end of mine closure but also provides an opportunity to heal the earth, transforming disturbed landscapes into thriving ecosystems that can benefit communities for generations.

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"Successful reclamation involves careful planning, innovative techniques, and collaboration with environmental experts and local communities. We must engage in meaningful dialogues to understand community needs and aspirations, ensuring that our reclamation efforts align with their desire for a healthier and more vibrant future," he said.

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Tika further highlighted the Commission's efforts in reintroducing traditional vegetation, implementing sustainable practices, and ensuring the proper management of local ecology and hydrology through the reclamation process."We have seen firsthand the positive impact that responsible reclamation can have, not just on the landscape but in restoring the trust and support of communities we serve," he added.

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He also urged chiefs from the various communities to take responsibility for the reclaimed lands and protect them to ensure the long-term benefits of the government's investment."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.

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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," Tika urged.The District Chief Executive for Bosome Freho, Kofi Adu Amoateng, also spoke at the ceremony, calling for collective efforts to combat illegal mining, which has become a national problem.

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He highlighted the reclaimed sites as symbols of hope and opportunities for the communities and emphasized the importance of protecting them from illegal miners."The once-neglected mining sites now symbolize hope and opportunities for the communities. We must protect them and ensure they are not exploited by illegal miners," said Adu Amoateng, commending the government and the Minerals Commission for their significant efforts.

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Consultant for the project, Thomas Tsiboe-Darko, praised the reclamation as a commitment to ecological recovery and sustainable development. He acknowledged the vital roles played by the communities, especially the chiefs, and called for continued community ownership of the project for the benefit of future generations.

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Nana Korteabofour Dom II, representing the Kokofumanhene, expressed the commitment of the communities to safeguard the reclaimed lands and ensure their sustainable development.

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