Ghana Restores 320 Hectares Destroyed by Illegal Mining

Land scarred by illegal mining in Ghana is getting a second chance at life, and the progress is bigger than anyone expected.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources announced the successful restoration of 320 hectares at Manso Nyankomanse in the Ashanti Region. These sites, once devastated by unregulated gold mining operations, have been completely reclaimed and prepared for tree planting.

The project tackled two major sites: 240 hectares at Nyankomanse and 80 hectares at Asare. Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah inspected the completed work in early February, praising the transformation that will restore ecological balance and improve land productivity for local communities.

Mining company Newmont Ghana Limited partnered with the government to fund the restoration. Contractor RM ECORESTORE GH LTD completed the physical reclamation work, and trees will be planted during the rainy season to complete the recovery process.

The Ripple Effect

This success story represents just the beginning of Ghana's ambitious environmental recovery plan. Illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, has destroyed approximately 5,500 hectares of land across the country, equivalent to 7,500 football fields of scarred earth.

The government launched a five-pronged approach to combat illegal mining and restore damaged areas. Land reclamation sits at the heart of this strategy, with officials seeking more private sector partnerships to accelerate the work.

Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene emphasized that Ghana supports responsible mining while cracking down on destructive practices. Local chiefs and district leaders pledged to protect the newly restored lands from future illegal operations.

The restored sites will benefit communities beyond just environmental healing. Improved land productivity means better agricultural opportunities and economic development for families who depend on healthy soil and clean water.

Corporate responsibility played a crucial role in this achievement. Newmont Ghana Limited contributed beyond its legal requirements, setting an example for other companies operating in mining regions.

The Ministry called this a model for collaboration between government, industry, and communities. Minister Armah-Kofi Buah stressed that only through shared responsibility can Ghana reclaim its lands, restore water bodies, and secure a sustainable future.

With 320 hectares already restored and thousands more planned, Ghana is proving that environmental damage doesn't have to be permanent, and that partnerships can heal what seemed beyond repair.