The Ashanti Regional Deputy Security Coordinator, Alhaji Nje, has cautioned mining operators across the region that land reclamation is no longer optional but a mandatory requirement that must accompany every mining activity.
He warned that individuals and companies that fail to restore degraded lands after mining operations would face sanctions, stressing that government would not tolerate irresponsible mining practices that endanger lives and destroy the environment.
Alhaji Nje made the remarks during an inspection tour of reclaimed mining sites in the Bosome Freho District, where security officials and government representatives assessed ongoing efforts to restore lands degraded by mining activities.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress made at several reclamation sites and commended operators who had taken deliberate steps to restore mined-out lands for productive use.
According to him, government remains committed to ensuring that mining activities are carried out responsibly and in accordance with environmental regulations.
“We will continue to monitor reclamation projects to ensure that approved standards are adhered to. Any miner who abandons degraded lands without reclaiming them will be sanctioned,” he stated.
Alhaji Nje noted that abandoned mining pits have become a major source of danger in many communities, resulting in avoidable deaths, injuries and environmental degradation. He said strict enforcement of reclamation obligations would help protect lives, preserve natural resources and restore lands for agriculture and other economic activities.
The District Chief Executive for Bosome Freho, Hon. Charles Appiah-Kubi, reiterated government’s support for responsible mining and environmental sustainability.
He explained that the ongoing reclamation exercise in the district reflects government’s determination to strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection.
“The government does not support illegal mining. We support responsible mining that safeguards the environment and benefits local communities. Reclaiming degraded lands is critical to ensuring sustainable development,” he said.
The DCE also commended the collaborative efforts of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, National Security, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Minerals Development Fund and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in restoring lands affected by mining activities.
At Nsuaem Number Two, traditional authorities disclosed that eight acres of degraded land had already been reclaimed, with work progressing on an additional 12 acres.
The inspection team also visited the Adakaburuso enclave, where reclaimed lands have been converted into productive plantations. Reclamation contractors reported that hundreds of tree seedlings had been planted on restored lands after topsoil replacement, while some reclaimed areas had already been put under cassava cultivation.
Residents and farmers welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major step toward reviving agriculture, improving livelihoods and restoring the ecological integrity of mining communities.
The reclamation exercise forms part of broader government efforts to restore degraded lands, strengthen environmental protection and ensure that mining contributes positively to local development while safeguarding the interests of future generations.
