The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inspected the successful reclamation of 320 hectares of mined-out lands at Manso Nyankomanse in the Ashanti Region, describing the project as a significant step toward restoring areas damaged by illegal mining.
During a working visit to the site on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the Minister commended the progress made under government’s national land reclamation agenda and the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative.
He expressed satisfaction with the restoration efforts, noting that land reclamation remains a top priority in government’s fight against environmental degradation.
Addressing the media, Mr. Buah reaffirmed government’s commitment to reclaiming large parcels of land destroyed by illegal mining activities across the country.
He stated that the initiative at Manso Nyankomanse covered two sites — Nyankomanse, where 240 hectares were reclaimed, and Asare, where 80 hectares were restored — bringing the total reclaimed area to 320 hectares.
“I am very happy to be here today at Manso Nyankomanse in the Ashanti Region to inspect the reclamation of degraded mined-out sites undertaken as part of Government’s national reclamation agenda and the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative,” he said.
According to the Minister, the reclaimed lands will help restore ecological balance, improve land productivity, and support the long-term socio-economic development of communities affected by illegal mining.
He commended Newmont Ghana Limited for its support in ensuring the successful completion of the project and urged other corporate entities to partner with government in similar environmental restoration initiatives.
He stressed that collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to reversing the damage caused by years of illegal mining.
Mr. Buah also praised RM ECORESTORE GH LTD, the contractor responsible for the reclamation works, for delivering high-quality results.
He indicated that tree planting activities would commence during the upcoming rainy season to complete the restoration process.
Speaking during the inspection, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, applauded the sector minister for demonstrating strong political will in tackling illegal mining.
He acknowledged the challenges associated with combating galamsey but expressed confidence in the ongoing efforts to address the menace.
Dr. Amoakohene reiterated that while government supports responsible mining, it will continue to take decisive action against individuals and groups who engage in environmentally destructive practices.
He pledged his continuous support to efforts aimed at protecting the environment, particularly within the Ashanti Region.
The District Chief Executive and the local traditional authorities also expressed appreciation to government for the reclamation project and pledged to work with stakeholders to safeguard the environment from further destruction.
The land restoration initiative forms part of government’s broader five-pronged strategy to combat illegal mining nationwide.
Authorities estimate that approximately 5,500 hectares of land — equivalent to about 7,500 football fields — have been degraded by illegal mining activities.
Government says intensified reclamation programmes, supported by private sector partnerships, will help reverse the damage in the coming years.
The Minister was accompanied on the visit by his Special Advisor, Prof. J. S. Y. Kumah; Director of Forestry at the Ministry, Mr. Joseph Osiakwan; Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh; NAIMOS Director of Operations, Colonel Dominic Buah; the Minister’s Spokesperson, Mahmoud Kabore; and the Ministry’s Media Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf
