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Environmental Restoration Begins at Nwineso No.3 in Atwima Kwanwoma
By Justice Baffour, Managing Editor- www.dailywatchgh.com/ 0246-930931
A major environmental restoration campaign has been launched at Nweneso No.3 in the Atwima Kwanwoma Municipal District,as authorities begin reclaiming lands degraded by illegal mining activities.
The exercise,spearheaded by the Municipal Assembly in collaboration with Danmark Prime and supported by the Minerals Development Fund (MDF),is aimed at filling abandoned mining pits, restoring ecological balance, and returning the land to productive use.
Addressing the Impact of Illegal Mining
For years, illegal mining,commonly referred to as galamsey-has left deep, uncovered pits scattered across parts of the municipality,creating serious environmental and safety concerns. Many of these pits have become death traps for residents, particularly children and farmers working on nearby lands.
Beyond the immediate danger to human life, the destruction has led to the loss of fertile farmland, pollution of water bodies, and disruption of livelihoods.
The reclamation initiative is therefore a critical step toward reversing years of environmental degradation.
Demonstrating Government Commitment
Chairman of the Reclamation Committee, Mr. Kingston Opoku Bediako, described the project as a clear manifestation of the commitment of the NDC government to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable land management.
He emphasized that restoring degraded lands is not only about environmental aesthetics but also about safeguarding lives and ensuring economic stability for affected communities.
“This is about protecting our environment and securing the future of our children. We cannot allow illegal mining to destroy the foundation of our communities,” he stated.
Mr. Bediako further noted that the initiative aligns with broader national efforts to combat illegal mining and enforce responsible resource management.
Call for Community and Traditional Support:
The Municipal Environmental Officer, Mr. Ernest Boakye, welcomed the commencement of the reclamation works and called on traditional leaders, opinion leaders, and residents to support the initiative.
According to him, environmental protection is a collective responsibility requiring active community involvement. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report illegal mining operations to the appropriate authorities, noting that sustained monitoring will be essential to prevent reclaimed lands from being re-invaded.
Private Sector Partnership
Managing Partner of Danmark Prime, Mr. Robert Dambo, assured the Assembly of the company’s full commitment to the project. He indicated that the private sector plays a crucial role in environmental restoration, especially in mining-prone districts.
Mr. Dambo encouraged other mining districts across the country to adopt similar partnerships that combine public oversight with private sector expertise to reclaim degraded lands and promote responsible mining practices.
Broad Stakeholder Participation:
The reclamation exercise attracted a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including Municipal Assembly staff, the Head of the Environmental Department,members of the Reclamation Committee, traditional authorities, media practitioners, and representatives from the Minerals Development Fund.
Their presence underscored the collective determination to restore the affected lands and protect the environment for future generations.
Phased Implementation and Afforestation:
Authorities disclosed that the reclamation exercise will be carried out in phases. The process involves reshaping the land, filling and leveling abandoned pits, and planting trees to restore vegetation cover.
Afforestation forms a key component of the long-term restoration strategy, as it is expected to improve soil fertility, prevent erosion, and enhance biodiversity within the municipality.
Restoring Hope and Livelihoods
The reclamation of mining pits at Nwineso No.3 is expected to significantly reduce environmental hazards while restoring hope to residents whose livelihoods have been affected by years of unchecked illegal mining.
With sustained collaboration between government, private partners, and the community, authorities believe the initiative will serve as a model for other mining-affected districts seeking to rebuild their ecosystems and secure a safer, greener future.
