GoldBod, Lands Ministry to Lead Land Reclamation Efforts in Mining Areas – Finance Minister

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is collaborating with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to strengthen land reclamation efforts in mining areas across the country.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the partnership while addressing Parliament on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

He explained that the reclamation initiative is aimed at promoting sustainable mining practices, restoring degraded lands, and supporting efforts to formalise Ghana’s gold business sector.

The programme forms part of GoldBod’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship, including the restoration of several hectares of land affected by mining activities.

The initiative will employ modern environmental remediation techniques and sustainable land-use planning approaches to transform abandoned mining sites into productive agricultural areas, community spaces, and restored natural habitats.

“The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Ghana Gold Board shall support and scale up sustainable initiatives such as land reclamation,” he told Parliament.

Illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey’, has significantly degraded more than 4,000 hectares of land and affected 34 forest reserves across seven regions of Ghana.

Recent government interventions, including restrictions on mining activities in forest reserves and the implementation of rehabilitation programmes, form part of broader efforts to protect and restore the country’s natural resources.

Studies have shown that major rivers, including the Pra and Ankobra rivers, have experienced severe pollution linked to mining activities, with contaminants such as mercury and cyanide exceeding recommended safety levels.

Deforestation in mining areas has also reduced carbon sequestration capacity, increasing environmental vulnerability and contributing to climate-related risks.

Restoration strategies such as afforestation, biochar application, and phytoremediation have recorded varying levels of success due to challenges including weak policy enforcement, limited financing, and inadequate community participation.

Through the collaboration between GoldBod and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the government aims to scale up sustainable land restoration efforts while ensuring that Ghana’s mineral resources are managed responsibly for current and future generations.