The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bosome Freho, Hon. Charles Appiah-Kubi, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to responsible mining and environmental restoration, expressing satisfaction with ongoing land reclamation activities in parts of the district.
According to the DCE, the reclamation exercise aligns with the government’s broader agenda of promoting sustainable and responsible mining practices while safeguarding the environment and agricultural lands for future generations.
Speaking during an inspection tour of reclaimed mining sites in the district, Hon. Appiah-Kubi stated that the government, under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), does not support illegal mining activities but rather encourages responsible and regulated mining that prioritises environmental protection.
“I am happy about the reclamation exercise taking place in my district. We are committed to ensuring that responsible mining is practised in Bosome Freho. The government does not support illegal mining but supports responsible mining. Therefore, reclaiming degraded lands and embarking on restoration projects is a step in the right direction,” he stressed.
The DCE commended the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC), National Security, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) for their collaborative efforts in restoring lands affected by mining activities.
He noted that the swift intervention by these institutions demonstrates government’s determination to reverse the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining and restore confidence in the mining sector.
The inspection team was led by the Ashanti Regional Deputy Security Coordinator, Alhaji Nje, who expressed satisfaction with the progress of the reclamation works.
He assured residents that security agencies would continue to closely monitor the activities of mining operators and reclamation contractors to ensure that all restoration works meet the required standards.
Alhaji Nje cautioned that mining operators who fail to reclaim degraded lands after mining activities would face the full rigours of the law.
“We will not hesitate to deal with anyone who engages in mining without restoring the land.
Such actions contribute to environmental degradation and pose serious risks to communities,” he warned.
According to him, enforcing reclamation requirements will help curb illegal mining, prevent deaths resulting from abandoned mining pits, restore degraded lands, and promote agricultural productivity in affected communities.
Traditional Leaders Commend Progress
Traditional authorities who joined the inspection tour also expressed satisfaction with the reclamation works.
Nana Ofin Kwaku, Dadeasehene Tufuhene and Kyeamepimhene, disclosed that approximately eight acres of degraded land had already been reclaimed, with additional restoration works ongoing on about 12 acres at Nsuaem Number Two in the Bosome Freho District.
The delegation later visited the Adakaburuso enclave, where previously degraded lands have been successfully reclaimed and converted into productive plantations.
Mr. Ibrahim Issaka, who is overseeing reclamation activities at one of the sites, revealed that over five acres of land had been restored and planted with about 500 tree seedlings.
He explained that the success of the reclamation project was due largely to the replacement of topsoil after the pits had been filled, a process that has enhanced soil fertility and supported vegetation growth.
“The work has been done properly because the topsoil was replaced. This has made it possible for the seedlings to thrive. We are committed to responsible mining and environmental restoration,” he stated.
At another reclaimed site in Apentu-Adakaburuso, Mr. Dela Mathias indicated that he had successfully filled and restored approximately 20 acres of degraded land and had since cultivated cassava on the reclaimed area.
Residents and farmers in the affected communities have welcomed the reclamation exercise, describing it as a major relief after years of environmental degradation caused by unregulated mining.
One of the farmers, Mr. Akwasi Atta, praised the operators undertaking the restoration works, noting that abandoned mining pits had previously made farming difficult and dangerous.
“There were many uncovered pits in the area, making farming activities very difficult. Today, the land is gradually being restored, and we can return to farming with confidence,” he said.
The ongoing reclamation exercise forms part of broader efforts by government and stakeholders to restore degraded lands, improve environmental sustainability, and ensure that mining activities contribute positively to local development while preserving livelihoods.
