The government has successfully reclaimed 320 hectares of land degraded by illegal mining in the Ashanti Region, signaling renewed momentum in the fight against galamsey.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, inspected the restoration work at Manso Nyankomanse on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, assuring that land reclamation would remain a key priority under the national restoration agenda.
The reclaimed area includes 240 hectares at Nyankomanse (Site One) and 80 hectares at Asare (Site Two), restored through the government’s Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative.
“These reclaimed lands will help restore ecological balance, improve land productivity, and contribute to the long-term socio-economic development of the affected communities,” Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah told the press.
He commended Newmont Ghana Limited for exceeding its statutory obligations in supporting the project and praised RM ECORESTORE GH LTD, the contractor, for delivering quality work. Tree planting is set to begin during the rainy season to complete the restoration process.
The Minister also called on corporate organizations to collaborate with the government on similar initiatives, stressing that collective responsibility is vital to protecting and restoring degraded lands.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, described the fight against galamsey as challenging but achievable, pledging regional support and reiterating that sustainable mining practices would continue to be enforced.
Local leaders, including the District Chief Executive and the Chief of Manso Nyankomanse, expressed gratitude to the government and committed to safeguarding the reclaimed lands from further degradation.
Government data indicates that roughly 5,500 hectares equivalent to about 7,500 football fields have been destroyed nationwide by illegal mining.
The Manso Nyankomanse project is part of a five-pronged strategy to reverse the effects of galamsey, with more aggressive reclamation programs planned for 2026 in partnership with the private sector.
