The Eastern Regional Secretariat of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has initiated program to restore lands degraded by mining activities in the region.
The organization is ensuring that all licensed miners reclaim their lands after which NADMO together with its partners, including Forestry Commission, take control of the sites to restore the ecosystem.
Launching the programme dubbed, “NADMO’s Green Site” initiative in Abuakwa South, the Eastern Regional Director of NADMO, Cudjoe Adukpo, noted that the initiative goes beyond planting trees, stating that it is total restoration of ecosystems, mitigating climate change, creating sustainable livelihoods, and building a greener and more resilient future for Ghanaians.
He lamented the massive loss of forest cover in the Eastern Region, particularly as a result of mining activities, stressing the need to heal the scars left on the landscape.
“Reclamation sites, especially those from mining, have left vast areas of land damaged and unable to support natural growth. We therefore have a responsibility to heal these scars on our landscape,” he said.
The reclamation initiative is being supervised by the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Awatey, and supported by a committee led by Mr. Adukpo, Colonel Larbi Mintah (Okyeman Oboadiesahene), Mr. Richard Akorli (Geophysicist), Dr. Owusu (Soil Scientist), and a representative from the Eastern Regional Forestry Commission.
Other prominent supporters include Dasebre Boamah Darko II (Okyeman Adontenghene), Madam Evelyn Korang (Council of State Member), Kyebi Abontendom Hene, and Osabarima Okojiaman (Kyebi Apapam Hene).
Mr. Adukpo called on Ghanaians to view the project as a shared responsibility, stressing that tree planting must not be a one-off event, but a sustained effort.
He noted that NADMO, in collaboration with corporate bodies and security agencies, will ensure active community participation in reclamation projects.
He further stressed the need for stronger governance and effective enforcement of environmental regulations to ensure mining companies and illegal miners are held accountable for restoring degraded lands.
About ten thousand tree species are being targeted for planting in the first phase of the project as more licensed small scale miners sign up for the program.
As part of the exercise, NADMO also distributed oil palm and coconut seedlings to communities across reclamation areas to help establish plantations that provide both ecological and economic benefits.
Mr. Adukpo reiterated that the project is in line with President Mahama’s Reset Ghana Agenda, which prioritizes environmental sustainability and community involvement.
“By planting trees, we plant hope, resilience, and a sustainable future for Ghana and generations to come,” he said.
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Evelyn Korang, Council of State Member, pledged the support of the council to efforts to restore the ecosystem to mitigate consequences of mining, and support agricultural activities.
Abuakwa South District Forest Manager, Alfred Owusu Ameyaw, commended NADMO for the initiative. He said Ghana is losing two percent of Ghana’s forest reserve yearly due to illegal mining.
He said Atewa and Apedwa Forest reserves also came under attack, but currently liberated and secured, however illegal mining happening at the forest ranges.
The forestry manager said stopping illegal mining and reclaiming the lands for restoration of the ecosystem will help protect river bodies.
Three licensed Mining companies – MG Emmanuel Mining Company Ltd, Betbille Enterprise, and Divine Nana Owusu Company were recognized with citations for reclaiming their mining site and signing up to NADMO’s greensite program.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
