More than 1,000 acres of land destroyed by illegal mining (galamsey) activities in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region have been successfully reclaimed by the Reclamation Exercise Committee.

The reclaimed areas, which previously contained over 4,000 uncovered mining pits, have been restored for agricultural and developmental use.

The large-scale reclamation forms part of a broader government initiative, led by the Central Regional Coordinating Council and supported by local Assemblies, to rehabilitate degraded lands and restore ecosystems damaged by galamsey operations. The ongoing exercise involves community participation and regular monitoring to prevent illegal miners from returning to the reclaimed sites.

Chairman of the Reclamation Exercise Committee, Mr. Abdullai Amoh, disclosed in an interview with Class 91.3 FM's Samuel Nana Tawiah that more than 1,000 acres of land have already been restored.

He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring that the reclaimed lands are put to productive use.

“Our focus is not only on filling the pits but also ensuring the land serves useful purposes — from farming to construction and other forms of development,” Mr. Amoh stated.

The illegal mining menace has severely devastated forests, farmlands, and water bodies across both Upper and Lower Denkyira areas.

Abandoned galamsey pits have become death traps, with 27 lives lost in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality alone, according to local authorities.

In response, the Central Regional Minister, Mr Ekow Panyin Eduamoah Okyere, in collaboration with all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), launched the reclamation project to restore damaged lands for agriculture, schools, and other developmental purposes.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Upper Denkyira East, Mr George Anane, praised the ongoing exercise, describing it as a vital step toward ending the galamsey menace and preventing further loss of lives.

“We are determined to make galamsey a thing of the past in this municipality.

These reclamation efforts will not only save lives but also restore the land for the benefit of our people,” he said.

Mr. Anane further commended the Regional Minister for his leadership and dedication to restoring the environment and livelihoods of communities affected by illegal mining.

The reclamation initiative continues across the Central Region, offering renewed hope for sustainable land use, environmental recovery, and safer communities.