The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inspected the successful reclamation of 320 hectares of degraded land at Manso Nyankomanse in the Ashanti Region, assuring that government will intensify its land restoration drive as part of the fight against illegal mining.

The reclaimed area comprises 240 hectares at Nyankomanse (Site One) and 80 hectares at Asare (Site Two), undertaken under the government’s national reclamation agenda and the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative.

Addressing the press after the inspection on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said land reclamation remained a top government priority in addressing the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

“These reclaimed lands will help restore ecological balance, improve land productivity, and contribute to the long-term socio-economic development of the affected communities,” he said.

The Minister commended Newmont Ghana Limited for supporting the project beyond its statutory obligations and expressed appreciation to RM ECORESTORE GH LTD, the contractor, for the quality of work executed. He said tree planting would commence during the rainy season to complete the restoration process.

Mr Armah-Kofi Buah urged corporate organisations to collaborate with the government on similar initiatives, stressing that collective responsibility was essential to reclaim degraded lands and secure a sustainable future.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, lauded the Minister’s commitment to tackling galamsey, describing the fight as difficult but achievable with strong political will.

He pledged the Region’s support, reiterating that while the government was not opposed to mining, it would continue to clamp down on destructive practices.

The District Chief Executive and the Chief of Manso Nyankomanse also expressed appreciation to the government and pledged to protect the reclaimed lands from further degradation.

Government estimates indicate that about 5,500 hectares of land—equivalent to approximately 7,500 football fields—have been destroyed nationwide through illegal mining activities.

The Manso Nyankomanse project forms part of a five-pronged strategy to reverse the impact of galamsey, with more aggressive reclamation programmes expected in 2026 in partnership with the private sector.