The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), in collaboration with the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), has intensified enforcement of the “polluter-pays” principle within key mining areas in the Ashanti region.
This initiative mandates that entities responsible for land degradation undertake full restoration of affected areas, with the cost covered in full by small-scale miners.
Currently, 33 organisations, including small-scale mining firms and non-governmental organisations, are licensed to conduct land reclamation across various districts.
The effort has already shown impactful results, notably in Bosome Freho District, where approximately 45 acres of degraded land have been successfully reclaimed by contracted miners.
During a recent site inspection led by Regional Deputy Security Coordinator Alhaji Abdullah Umaru Nje, local farmers and residents expressed strong support, highlighting the importance of land restoration for revitalising agriculture, securing livelihoods, and enhancing environmental health.
In the district, progress is evident with eight acres of land fully reclaimed at Nsuaem No. 2 and ongoing restoration on an additional 12 acres.
At Abosoma, contractor Ibrahim Issaka has restored five acres, while Dela Mathias has reclaimed 20 acres at Apentu-Adakaburuso.
Contracted miners involved in the project have affirmed their compliance with environmental standards, contributing to the initiative’s success.
Concluding the inspection, Alhaji Abdullah Umaru Nje commended the quality and pace of the work, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable mining practices.
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