A major agricultural initiative is set to transform reclaimed illegal mining (galamsey) lands in the Adansi Asokwa District of the Ashanti Region into productive farmland, following plans to cultivate oil-yielding crops across the restored landscape.
The project, spearheaded by Agricentric Ventures, forms part of a long-term strategy to ensure that lands reclaimed from illegal mining are put to sustainable economic use while preventing a return of galamsey activities.
The announcement was made during a joint inspection of reclaimed mining sites near the government’s Agenda 111 hospital project by the Ashanti Regional Land Reclamation Committee and key stakeholders involved in the reclamation exercise.
Chief Executive Officer of Agricentric Ventures, Gideon Nyamesen, said the company intends to establish plantations of oil-yielding crops on the reclaimed land to restore ecological balance while creating employment and wealth for surrounding communities.
According to him, the cultivation of the crops will improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, restore vegetation cover, and serve as a long-term deterrent against illegal mining by giving the land a productive economic purpose.
He explained that beyond environmental restoration, the initiative is expected to generate sustainable income for local residents through commercial agriculture and value addition, thereby providing an alternative livelihood to communities previously affected by illegal mining.
Mr. Nyamesen noted that reclaiming degraded lands is only the first step, stressing that maintaining the gains requires practical economic interventions capable of discouraging the return of illegal miners.
The announcement came after officials inspected extensive portions of land that have already been restored under an emergency reclamation programme initiated by the Ashanti Regional Minister following public concern over illegal mining activities threatening the Agenda 111 hospital project.
The inspection team, led by Ashanti Regional Deputy Security Coordinator Alhaji Abdullah Umaru Nje, included representatives from National Security, the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Agricentric Ventures and Logeist Group Limited.
During the exercise, security personnel arrested an alleged illegal miner who was found operating on the outskirts of the reclaimed area, underscoring the determination of authorities to protect the restored land from fresh encroachment.
General Manager of Logeist Group Limited, Benjamin Karikari Dwira, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the reclamation works, revealing that the remaining degraded sections of the site could be fully restored within the next three months.
He commended the collaborative efforts of the various state institutions and private partners involved in the project, describing the reclamation exercise as a significant step towards reversing the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining.
Stakeholders believe that combining land reclamation with commercial agriculture will not only restore degraded ecosystems but also create lasting economic opportunities, strengthen food production and ensure that reclaimed lands remain protected for future generations.
The initiative is expected to become a model for sustainable post-galamsey land management, demonstrating how environmental restoration and agriculture can work together to support national development while safeguarding critical public infrastructure.
