Ministry of Defence Leads Major Land Reclamation Initiative
The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the Ghana Gold Board and the Forestry Commission, has signed a Land Reclamation and Rehabilitation Service Agreement for the restoration of 50 hectares of degraded land within the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday in Accra, forms part of ongoing efforts to reclaim lands damaged by illegal mining activities and promote environmental sustainability.
Under the agreement, the Ghana Armed Forces Engineer Regiment will be responsible for the civil engineering aspects of the project, including pit filling, grading, land reshaping, compaction, site stabilisation and other interventions aimed at restoring the affected landscape to a safe and environmentally sustainable state.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Deputy Minister for Defence, Mr. Ernest Brogya Genfi, assured the public of the Ghana Armed Forces’ commitment to carrying out the project with professionalism and integrity.
He described the initiative as a significant step toward restoring degraded forest lands and protecting Ghana’s natural environment.
According to him, the involvement of the military reflects its broader commitment to supporting national development efforts beyond its traditional security mandate.
Mr. Brogya Genfi emphasized that restoring lands damaged by illegal mining is essential for preserving biodiversity, safeguarding water resources, and ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi Esq., disclosed that the land reclamation project is expected to cost approximately GH¢35 million over ten years.
He explained that the Ghana Armed Forces was selected as a key implementation partner due to its technical expertise, operational discipline, and proven capacity to undertake large-scale engineering projects.
Mr. Gyamfi expressed confidence in the military’s ability to successfully execute the reclamation works and contribute significantly to the restoration of lands degraded by illegal mining activities.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces Engineer Regiment by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Emmanuel Kartey.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
