Government Reclaims Degraded Lands in Ellembelle

Ellembelle: Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has officially handed over several sites in Anwia, Teleku-Bokazo, and Nkroful for land reclamation efforts. These areas have been severely impacted by illegal mining activities, particularly around the Nkroful Agricultural Senior High School (NASS). The project aims to reclaim 800 acres of degraded land along the River Subile in the Ellembelle District. According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative is funded by Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, a large-scale mining company, in partnership with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. At a ceremony held between Anwia and Teleku-Bokazo, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah highlighted that the chosen tree species for the project aim to enhance soil fertility, restore ecological balance, and return the land to a state of productive and sustainable use. The government is focused on reversing the impacts of years of irresponsible mining, especially in forest reserves and farming communities. Mr A rmah-Kofi Buah, who also serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembelle, noted that dredging would be part of the reclamation process to improve the flow of muddy pools and plant vegetation for long-term ecological health. The Ministry of Lands has introduced a responsible cooperative mining scheme to the community and has warned against any illegal mining activities. In an appeal to traditional rulers, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah urged them to support the project in order to address the environmental damage caused over the past eight years. Mr Joseph Armah Agyekum, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Ellembelle, committed to supporting the project and monitoring its progress, noting that the pits pose deadly risks to the community. Nana Arvo Kwaw, Chief of Teleku-Bokazo, expressed gratitude for the initiative, mentioning how flooding often impacts the area. Meanwhile, Mr Francis Kwaw Mensah, Assembly Member for Nkroful Enlunlibo, recounted a recent incident where a child fell into one of the pits, emphasi zing the need for the project's success.