Galamsey Fight: John Mahama reclaims 800 acres of galamsey-ravaged land

President John Dramani Mahama has reclaimed 800 acres of land degraded by illegal mining at Nyankumase in the Manso Adubia District of the Ashanti Region.

The exercise marks a major step in his government’s renewed fight against galamsey and environmental destruction.

The reclamation forms part of the President’s broader commitment to restore lands destroyed by years of unregulated mining and return them to productive use for agriculture and other economic activities.

Since assuming office in 2025, President Mahama has placed strong emphasis on reversing the environmental damage caused by illegal mining through what the government describes as the galamsey Rehabilitation Initiative.

The initiative focuses on transforming abandoned and mined-out sites into viable farmland, forest plantations, and other development-friendly zones that can support local livelihoods.

The reclamation works are being carried out by RM Ecorestore Ghana Limited, a company supporting the Government of Ghana in reclaiming and revegetating degraded and mined-out areas across the country.

At an inspection of the Nyankumase reclamation project on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, was accompanied by the officials of the Minerals Commission.

The minister outlined the measures the government has put in place to safeguard water bodies and protect lands from further degradation.

He said the Manso Adubia site, which spans 800 acres, has been planted with cassia and teak trees as part of a long-term plan to retire the land and restore its ecological balance.

According to the Minister, the choice of tree species is intended not only to restore vegetation but also to provide future economic value through sustainable forestry.

Armah-Kofi Buah noted that beyond environmental recovery, the project is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic activity in surrounding communities.

He added that several other degraded sites across the country have been earmarked for similar interventions under the “Tree for Life” project.

The Minister stressed that the government remains resolute in its fight against illegal mining and will not relent in protecting the country’s natural resources.

Armah-Kofi Buah stressed that the government was not against mining activities but insisted they must be conducted responsibly.

He said water bodies and forests “were critical to human survival” and warned that “reckless mining practices threatened the nation’s long-term future.”

He mentioned that complementary programmes such as Tree for Life and Blue Water are designed to reinforce the government’s broader agenda of ecological sustainability.

These initiatives, he said, aim to restore forest cover, protect river bodies, and ensure a healthier environment for present and future generations.

Illegal mining continues to take a heavy toll on Ghana’s rivers, farmlands, and forest reserves, with many communities bearing the brunt of polluted water and destroyed livelihoods.

The Minister was accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission

Despite the serious health and environmental consequences, galamsey activities persist in many areas, posing a major challenge to authorities.

Government officials say the intensified reclamation efforts signal a renewed determination to not only stop illegal mining but also heal the scars it has left on the landscape.

The Nyankumase project, they believe, stands as a clear example of how degraded lands can be restored and put back to productive use.

The Chief of Manso, Nana Doku Appiah Dankwah II, in his speech, lauded President Mahama for his commitment and dedication towards enhancing the ecosystem of the country.

Nana Doku praised the projects and initiatives put in place by the government to fight galamsey, saying they have started yielding results.

He added that with support from other stakeholders, President John Dramani Mahama and Ghana will win the fight against galamsey activities.

Residents expressed optimism that the reclaimed land would bring new opportunities and improve living conditions in the area.