Lands Minister Collaborates with Minerals Commission to Engage Western and Western North Houses of Chiefs on Revision of Mining Policy and Laws

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Lands Minister Collaborates with Minerals Commission to Engage Western and Western North Houses of Chiefs on Revision of Mining Policy and Laws

Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources led a team comprising Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Minerals Commission, Mr. Benjamin Aryee, former CEO of the Commission and Chair of the Policy Review Committee to deliberate on the reforms within the mining sector and solicit the support of the Western and Western North Regional Houses of Chiefs as part of efforts to revise Ghana’s mining laws and policy. Discussion focused on restructuring community mining, enhancing environmental protection, and strengthening governance in the sector. This engagement took place on July 11, 2025 at The Grove Essipong Beach Resort in Takoradi.

The ceremony was co-chaired by Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, the President of the National House of Chiefs and Omanhene of Sefwi Anhwiaso, alongside Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief (Omanhen) of the Essikado Traditional Area. In his remarks, Ogyeahoho Gyebi emphasized the importance of Parliament rallying support for the Ministry and the Commission to ensure the passage of these commendable government initiatives and reforms. Nana Nketsia, who hosted the meeting, also commended the CEO of the Commission for his leadership in the fight against illegal mining.

The Minister expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Chiefs for their support since his appointment. “It is both an honour and a privilege to be back home to the land of my birth, and to stand before this revered assembly of our traditional leaders – the custodians of our land, culture, and heritage” he remarked. Hon. Buah emphasised the governments groundbreaking initiative to transition Community Mining into Cooperative Mining by “introducing a structured cooperative model with mini-refineries to empower local communities”. He highlighted measures being rolled-out to safeguard the environment and protecting river bodies from pollution. The Minister stressed the significant role of Chiefs in the licensing process. He also noted that Community Development Agreements are going to be incorporated into the revised law. Hon. Buah reiterated that the fight against galamsey must be well coordinated and the principle of name and shame must be enforced

The proposed changes to the law were presented by Mr. Ayisi, who outlined the government’s plan to recategorize mining into three tiers: small-scale, medium-scale, and large-scale. This recategorization aims to facilitate Ghanaians’ transition into large-scale mining. He also reiterated the introduction of Cooperative Mining that will empower local communities. “There is a proposal to abolish Development Agreements as it has not benefited to the country” he remarked.  The CEO emphasised that prospecting licences will be restricted to a maximum of nine years to prevent speculation and accelerate new mine project development.  

Mr. Josef Iroko, Manager, Legal of the Commission, highlighted the role of Chiefs under the current law as landowners and discussed the function of Office of Administrator of Stool Lands in the management and disbursement of ground rent to traditional authorities. He clarified how compensation for surface rights and deprivation of land should be administered legally.

On his part, Mr. Benjamin Aryee presented an overview of the mining policy, highlighting emerging trends such as compliance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, climate change, and the use of sophisticated technologies in mining operations.

The Chiefs intimated “we need to treat the root cause of illegal mining by educating our people and resolving land disputes. Our inability to properly demarcate land boundaries has exacerbated the problem”. They pledged to actively support the Minister to achieve the reset mandate in sanitizing the mining sector and enhance environmental stewardship and governance.

After several deliberations the chiefs raised concerns and recommended the following for consideration by the Review Committee: 

• Small-Scale District Mining Committee be headed by a Chief and not a District Chief Executive (DCE) for better oversight and compliance to regulations.
• Proper and clear definition of Cooperative Mining and the need to ensure that indigenes and local communities are involved the decision-making process.
• Increased royalties and equity for communities – ensuring mining benefits directly reach indigenes through improved revenue sharing and converting surface rights into equity for mining host communities.
• Social impact development should be incorporated into the mining lease agreement and policy.
• Community Mining has become an albatross for perpetrating illegal mining operations hence.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Buah reassured the Chiefs that the government is committed to collaborating with traditional authorities and local communities to ensure that mining benefits all Ghanaians.

In attendance were officials from the Commission including Dr. Ahmed Tijani, Manager, Corporate Affairs & Information Technology, Mr. Francis Annobil Jnr, Takoradi Regional Manager, along with staff from the Tarkwa office.

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Minerals Commission Consults Central Regional House of Chiefs on Draft Amendments to Mining Policy and Legal Framework

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Minerals Commission Consults Central Regional House of Chiefs on Draft Amendments to Mining Policy and Legal Framework

Cape Coast, July 9, 2025 — The Minerals Commission of Ghana has initiated a comprehensive review and update of the country’s 2014 Mining Policy and legal framework, aiming to modernize the sector and align it with sustainable development goals. As part of the ongoing stakeholder engagement process, a high-level delegation led by the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi (Esq), and Prof. Jerry Samuel Yaw Kuma, Advisor to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, met with the Central Regional House of Chiefs on July 9, 2025, to discuss the proposed amendments.

In his welcome address, Odeefuo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs and Omanhene of the Breman Traditional Area, thanked the delegation for engaging with and educating the House on the mining policy and legal amendments. He stated that such consultations cannot be overemphasized and urged Nananom to contribute their inputs to enhance the work of the policy review committee.

So far, the review committee has held consultations with key stakeholders such as the Ghana Chamber of Mines, civil society organizations, academia, and research institutions. The overarching goal is to ensure that the benefits of mining are equitably distributed while promoting environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Mr. Benjamin Aryee, former CEO of the Minerals Commission and former Advisor to the Minister, presented the review of the 2014 Mining Policy. He highlighted new provisions, including the Green/Critical Minerals Policy, emerging global trends like climate change, and Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, as well as government policies such as the introduction of Cooperative Mining and the recategorization of mining, with the creation of a medium-scale category. Mr. Aryee reiterated some of the challenges facing the mining sector and outlined strategic recommendations based on the draft policy, as follows:

• Centralized Gold Trading – The establishment of a centralized gold trading institution, such as a Gold Board, to enhance transparency and accountability in the gold value chain.
• Decentralization of the Minerals Commission – A strategic move to bring services closer to mining communities and improve support for small-scale miners.
• Deepening Community Relations and Engagement – The need to foster social harmony and reduce conflicts between mining companies and host communities.
• Local Content and Local Participation Development – Ensuring that local communities and businesses benefit meaningfully from mining operations.
• Health and Safety – Enhancing occupational health and safety standards and eliminating child labor in mining.
• Fiscal Transparency – Reforming fiscal policies to ensure fair revenue distribution and improved financial governance.

The Manager of Legal, Mr. Josef Iroko, discussed the current state of the mining laws and regulations, as well as administrative and regulatory guidelines. He spoke about the importance of Parliamentary ratification of mining leases and the rights and responsibilities of District Mining Committees in overseeing mining activities within their jurisdictions. Mr. Iroko highlighted the critical role of Chiefs and traditional leaders as allodial owners of the land and their entitlement to compensation as per Ghana’s mining laws.

Mr. Ayisi provided an overview of the Minerals and Mining Law, Act 2006 (Act 703), and outlined significant amendments to Ghana’s mining laws. He explained that the proposed Community Development Agreement (CDA), which seeks to allocates 1% of mining companies’ revenue, would help improve community development in an equitable manner. The CEO announced the introduction of a medium-scale category, a new classification to bridge the gap between small-scale and large-scale mining operations. He further noted that there would be a need to review and renegotiate existing mining contracts to ensure fairness and alignment with national interests.

Mr. Ayisi emphasized that the updated policy and legal framework would serve as a foundation for a more inclusive, transparent, and sustainable mining sector. He informed the House that after a mining lease or license is issued, the mineral right holder must obtain an Environmental Permit from the Environmental Protection Authority and an Operating Permit from the Chief Inspector of Mines at the Commission before commencing any mining activity. The CEO urged the Chiefs to verify any documents submitted by prospective mineral rights holders with the Commission’s offices. He also explained that there was a proposal to limit prospecting licenses to a maximum of nine years and cap mining leases at fifteen years.

During the discussion session, the House of Chiefs recommended that all Mining Concession Notices should be served on the Traditional Council, represented by the President of the House, the Paramountcy, and the local Chief of the designated area. They inquired about the difference between prospecting and reconnaissance mining and raised concerns about illegal sand-winning activities in the Region. Mr. Ayisi clarified that salt is a mineral regulated under the mining law and assured the House that a comprehensive plan would be developed to further engage communities involved in salt mining.

The CEO also encouraged the House of Chiefs to review the amendments and submit their proposals within two weeks for consideration by the Review Committee. He concluded by stressing that as Ghana positions itself as a leader in responsible mineral resource management, the proposed reforms are expected to significantly enhance the sector’s contribution to national development.

In response, Odeefuo Amoakwa Buadu VIII commended the CEO of the Commission and his delegation for their commitment to transforming the mining sector through this consultative process and pledged their full support to achieving this noble vision.

Also present at the gathering were Hon. Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, Central Regional Minister, Mr. Nelson Ahedor, Director of Small Scale and Industrial Minerals, and Dr. Ahmed Tijani, Manager of Corporate Affairs and Information Technology of the Minerals Commission.

IMPERSONATION AND FRADULENT ACTIVITIES

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IMPERSONATION AND FRADULENT ACTIVITIES

FAKE ONLINE RECRUITMENT PORTAL IN CIRCULATION

DISCLAIMER NOTICE!

FAKE ONLINE RECRUITMENT PORTAL IN CIRCULATION

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The attention of the Minerals Commission has been drawn to a fraudulent online link (https://mincom-career.goprogram.xyz/Job#1752071296702) being circulated as a recruitment portal affiliated with the Commission.

We wish to categorically state that the Commission has not developed, authorized, or endorsed any such platform. The Commission wish to confirm that no official online recruitment portal currently in operation is authorized by the Commission.

The public is hereby cautioned to disregard the above link and treat any related communication or request for personal information or payment as fraudulent. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to this matter.

For all official communications, announcements, and career opportunities, please refer to our verified electronic platforms.
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Minerals Commission Pitched Proposed Review of Ghana’s Mining Policy and Mining Laws with the National Development Planning Commission.

Minerals Commission Pitched Proposed Review of Ghana’s Mining Policy and Mining Laws with the National Development Planning Commission.

June 19, 2025 and as part of the ongoing stakeholder consultation process, the Chief Executive Officer of Minerals Commission, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi (Esq.) led the Review Committee of the 2014-Mining Policy and proposed amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) in an engaged with the management of National Development Planning Commission (NDPC). The team from the Minerals Commission included the Board Chairman, Mr. William Ntow Boahene (Esq.); Professor Jerry Samuel Yaw Kuma, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources; Ms. Victoria Awuni, Deputy CEO responsible for Policy Planning, Mineral Titles & Local Content; including the members of the Review Committee led by Mr. Benjamin Aryee, Former CEO of the Commission.

The Director General of NDPC, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah led management of the Commission to receive and engaged with the team from the Minerals Commission. Dr. Audrey and the technical team of NDPC admonished the review committee to consider aligning the structure of the policy to the Policy Guidelines of NDPC to ensure consistency with the prescriptions of the Commission. Management of NDPC also proposed for the consideration of the committee to incorporate a Strategic Implementation Plan and an M&E Framework to obtain regular feedback for future policy review and amendments.

Mr. Ayisi requested management of NDPC to consider submitting detailed written proposals in two weeks for the consideration of the review committee. Management of both institutions were excited about the engagement and reckon to work even closer into the future.

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Minerals Commission Engages the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) On Policy and Legal Reforms 

Minerals Commission Engages the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) On Policy and Legal Reforms.

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As part of the ongoing engagement on the review of Ghana’s 2014-Minerals & Mining Policy and the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), Minerals Commission at separate events, engaged with a cross section of members of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) at Eastern Premier Hotel in the Eastern Region and at the Golden Beam Hotel in the Ashanti Region.

The Minerals Commission is the government agency responsible for regulating the mining industry, promoting investments and providing policy advice on all matters relating to minerals and mining in Ghana. The Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) sub-sector provides over one million direct and indirect job opportunities for the people of Ghana. Also, the ASM sub-sector has over the last few years undergone significant transformation and in particular contributed greatly to gold production. 

According to the Bank of Ghana and the GoldBod export figures for the first quarter, 2025, indicates the ASM sub-sector accounted for 52.1% of total gold exports from the country. Therefore, the Commission considers the ASM sub-sector critical for the development of the Ghanaian economy.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman for the occasion and Technical Advisor to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Prof Jerry Samuel Yaw Kuma admonished the association to actively engaged the resource persons and carefully scrutinize the proposed amendments to help enrich the policy and the law to ensure it stands the test of time.

The first part of the program witnessed the presentation by Mr. Benjamin Aryee on the Draft Reviewed Policy Document, which is anchored on emerging global trends such as the issue of climate change and transition minerals, challenges arising from the implementation of the current mining policy over the last decade, and the new policies of government, highlighting the importance of small-scale mining to the economy of Ghana, among others.

The second part of the program witnessed the presentation on the proposed amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). This was led by the Manager responsible for legal, Mr. Josef Iroko.

During discussion, members of GNASSM expressed concerns over delays in the issuance of ASM licenses and appealed to the sector Minister to address the situation. In response, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Kuma informed the members of government’s priority to decentralize the processing and issuance of small-scale licenses at the District offices of the Commission. He said government has that as part of the major reforms of the sector.

The GNASSM members entreated Management of the Commission to provide clear qualification criteria for the intended mid-tier mining stream in the country. The miners emphasized the adoption of realistic policies to ensure that their members in good standing and with potential be upgraded to Medium Scale Mines as part of government’s priority. “With the advent of Medium Scale Mining, it is envisaged that mining bonds will be put into classes to enable our members comply with the requirements”, said by a miner.

The issue of support for women in mining was raised, highlighting the need to put in place provisions to deal with their concerns. They advocated for consideration of the Policy Review Committee for incentives to support the few women in the business of mining and to encourage other women into the industry.

Though within the purview of EPA, the miners raised concerns over the omnibus requirement for posting Reclamation Bonds for mining and called for reconsideration to vary same based on the size of concessions.

It emerged that legal backing for large scale mining lease holders to retain rights over their concessions, whilst their renewal applications are being considered, the ASSM mining lease holders often are vulnerable losing their concessions to some Chiefs as a result of delays in processing their renewal applications. This called for a proposal to incorporate amendments to grant ASSM lease holders equal rights, whilst their renewal applications are pending consideration.

GNASSM and its members in the Eastern and Ashanti Regions were encouraged to submit written proposals through their leadership for the consideration of the Mining Policy Review Committee.

The Committee is scheduled to engage with members of GNASSM in the Upper East, Upper West and Savanna Regions in Tamale. Also, those in the Central, Western North and Western Regions in Tarkwa.

In attendance were officials from the Commission, namely Mr. Nelson Ahedor, Director of Small-Scale & Industrial Minerals, Dr. Ahmed Tijani, Manager, Corporate Affairs & IT, Mr. Paul Dawson, Manager, Ashanti Region among others.

Public Consultations Commence for The Revision of the 2014 Minerals and Mining Policy and the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703)

Public Consultations Commence for The Revision of the 2014 Minerals and Mining Policy and the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703)

The current Minerals and Mining Policy was adopted in 2014. The Minerals and Mining Act of 2006 (Act 703) has also been in force for nearly twenty years. Following the 2024 elections and the election of the National Democratic Congress with a manifesto which has set out its policy on mining, emerging global trends such as the issue of climate change and transition minerals, challenges arising from the implementation of the current mining policy over the past decade, the importance of small scale mining to the economy of Ghana among others, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has commenced a review of the 2014 Mining Policy and Act 703.

The Minerals Commission, which is an agency of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and primarily responsible for the regulation of the mining sector is consulting with industry, experts and other stakeholders on the review of the 2014 mining policy and Act 703.

The Commission is inviting the public to submit inputs for consideration into the ongoing review of the Mining Policy and the Act.

The inputs received will play a critical role in shaping Ghana’s approach in managing the sector and ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for the nation’s mineral resource development.

The deadline for submissions is June 4, 2025. Interested parties can participate in the consultation and review process byaccessing the draft review policy and the Act and submitting their responses to info@mincom.gov.gh/ahmed.tijani@mincom.gov.gh or deliver
a hardcopy to:
The Chief Executive Officer
Minerals Commission

12 Switchback Road Residential Area, Cantonments

P. O. Box M248
Accra – Ghana
Digital Address: GL-060-113

453 Trainees Graduate as Blue Water Guards at Ezinlibo Under Government’s Blue Water Initiative

453 Trainees Graduate as Blue Water Guards at Ezinlibo Under Government’s Blue Water Initiative

April 14, 2025, The Western Naval Command hosted the graduation ceremony for the first batch of the Blue Water Guards at Ezinlibo in the Western Region. This marked the successful completion of the first batch of the guards under the Blue Water Guard Initiative under the auspices of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Minerals Commission.

The sector Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), conducted an inspection of the parade mounted in his honour. The Minister stated that the dexterity and spectacular display during the drills by the recruits indicated the level of discipline they had acquired during the four-week training at the Naval Base. He highlighted that the trainees had been drawn from the catchment areas of the riverine communities and have been equipped with essential skills including physical endurance, basic arms handling, combat techniques, survival swimming, watermanship, and boat operations. The Minister admonished them to be the eyes, ears, and frontline defenders of their communities and urged them not to fail in this fight against the wanton destruction of our water bodies, on which our very lives depend.

The Minister warned illegal miners, saying, “I would like to serve a caution to the perpetrators of this dastardly act to stop. Especially, the financiers and faceless individuals engaging in galamsey on our river bodies. Culprits shall be dealt with severely. I respectfully implore each and every Ghanaian to be a Water Guard Volunteer or ambassador in your communities.”

Hon. Buah commended the Naval Base Commanders for the rigorous selection process, and equipping the recruits with relevant skills. He also highlighted a gamut of measures to be rolled out by the Ministry to tackle the menace of galamsey. “To strengthen this initiative, additional speedboats, patrol vehicles, and motorbikes will be procured, enabling the extension of the Blue Water Guards program to the Central, Eastern, Ashanti, Bono, and Savannah regions. Beyond safeguarding our environment, this initiative will create 2,000 direct jobs, empowering Ghanaians while securing our natural heritage,” Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah opined.

The Minister intimated that Ghana generated approximately $4.6 billion from small-scale gold exports in 2024, highlighting the need to expand operations into medium and large-scale mining ventures. He said the Ghana Navy has established Temporary Operation Bases (TOBs) along major rivers in the Western Region, such as Ankobra, Fia, Bonsa, and Downstream Pra, to serve as an immediate and rapid response force to deal with miscreants on the rivers. “You will operate in teams strategically positioned along designated sectors for effective command and control. Daily situational reports, weekly summaries, and quarterly evaluations will be channeled through the Ghana Navy to the Minerals Commission and the Ministry, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement,” he admonished the graduands.

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur (MP), emphasized the critical role of fish in providing 60% of animal protein for citizens and its significance in livelihoods. She raised concerns about the increasing depletion of fish stocks in the sea and ocean and the loss of indigenous fish stock, stressing the need for clean water for aquaculture as part of the government’s initiative. Hon. Arthur urged the recruits to perform their duties with integrity, avoid bribery, and protect water bodies, becoming ambassadors for the President’s resetting agenda. “Go and do a good job, don’t accept bribes, and become part of the problem. Go and protect the water bodies and become ambassadors for resetting Ghana,” she admonished.

In his closing remarks, Awulae Attibrukusu III, Paramount Chief of Lower Axim, thanked everyone for their support and expressed his pride in serving as Chairman for the momentous occasion. He urged the trainees to be faithful to their mandate of protecting water bodies and becoming good stewards for Ghana.

Government-Committed-to-Reforming-Small-Scale Mining-Minister Assures-Minerals-Commission-Staff

Government Committed to Reforming Small-Scale Mining, Minister Assures Minerals Commission Staff

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The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reforming the small-scale mining sector. During his maiden visit to the Commission on April 7, 2025, the Minister emphasized the need for stronger regulations, community engagement, and sustainable practices to combat illegal mining and revitalize the industry.

The Minister called for an overhaul of the licensing regime and a review of the outdated 2014 mining policy. He proposed that prospecting licences should be granted exclusively to government agencies like the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to lead geological investigations. Hon. Buah advocated for the decentralization of small-scale mining registration and recommended a “bottom-up approach” to the licensing process. He commended Mr. Ayisi for his exemplary leadership, particularly the significant expansion at the Regional and District levels of the Commission. He highlighted enhanced collaboration with agencies like the Environmental Protection Authority, Water Resources Commission, Traditional Authorities, and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to improve the registration process. As part of the broad strategy to reform the mining sector, Hon. Buah said the government intends to sanction MMDCEs whose communities are involved in illegal mining based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to be set.

He further mentioned that enhancing oversight and community involvement requires the deployment of drones and advanced technology to monitor mining activities and track compliance in real-time. There is a need to ensure sustainable and responsible mining practices so that local communities and the state continue to benefit from mining while protecting the environment.

The Minister also engaged with staff and addressed concerns relating to the mining sector, such as policies to deal with illegal mining, the licensing approval process, and staff welfare, among others.

Mr. Martin Kweku Ayisi, CEO of MINCOM, welcomes Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to the Commission

On Monday, April 7, 2025, Mr. Martin Kweku Ayisi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Commission, welcomed Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, to the Commission. This meeting was the maiden and formed part of the Minister’s working visit to engage with the management and staff of the Commission.

The CEO warmly welcomed the Minister and his entourage, expressing his excitement at the privilege of hosting the team. Mr. Ayisi briefed the gathering on the general overview of the mining sector’s performance in the Ghanaian economy. He highlighted that gold alone contributed about USD11.5 billion in export revenue as of December 2024, with 40% coming from small-scale mining.

During the staff durbar held in honour of Hon. Buah, issues pertaining to staff welfare, sanitizing small-scale mining activities, and reforming the licensing regime, among others, were discussed. The Minister assured management and staff of his commitment to ensuring that mining is conducted in a sustainable and responsible manner. He emphasized the need for collective effort and alignment with the government to achieve the Ministry’s mandate of resetting the mining sector and tackling the environmental dangers posed by illegal mining activities.

Reclaimed and Restored-Twifo Atti Morkwa Lands Handed Over to Communities

Reclaimed and Restored-Twifo Atti Morkwa Lands Handed Over to Communities

A handing-over ceremony of reclaimed mined-out lands took place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Twifo Atti Morkwa in the Central Region. The ceremony was held at the palace of the paramount Chief, Oseadieyo Kwesi Kenin IV, who was represented by Nana Kyeahene Afari II, the Adontihene.

The land reclamation project was initiated by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) through the Minerals Commission. The project aimed to restore lands degraded by illegal mining activities. A total of 63 hectares (which approximates to 155.67 acres) of reclaimed lands have been revegetated with oil palm and economic tree species to promote ecological balance and offer sustainable economic benefits to the Kotokyi, Gyeaware I & II, and surrounding communities

The Minerals Commission’s team, led by Mr. Ibrahim Assani, Director of Human Resource and Administration, urged the Chiefs and community leaders to take ownership and responsibility for protecting the reclaimed lands for future generations.

Mr. Steven Agbo, Deputy Manager responsible for Community Relations at the Commission, provided a comprehensive overview of the reclamation project. He highlighted the Commission’s dedication to rehabilitating degraded lands and promoting eco-friendly mining practices. Mr. Agbo emphasized the need for the community to unite and preserve their forest and river bodies against the harmful effects of illegal mining, popularly referred to as galamsey.

Mr. Awal Suhuyini, District Coordinating Director of the District Assembly, expressed his gratitude for the initiative. He pledged to ensure the reclaimed lands are put to judicious use for the benefit of the communities.

In his closing remarks, the Adontihene, Nana Kyeahene Afari II, praised the honor done to his community through this reclamation. He pledged the Chiefs’ commitment to ensuring the reclaimed lands are protected from destruction.

As a show of goodwill and public gesture, a Project Handover Attestation document was signed by the Minerals Commission, the Paramount Chief, and the District Assembly. The document provided a comprehensive overview of the entire reclamation activities and was presented to their representatives.

The successful reclamation of mined-out lands in the Twifo Atti Morkwa District marks a significant step towards environmental restoration and sustainable development.