GoldBod, Military Engineers partner to reclaim galamsey-damaged Tano Nimri Forest

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has partnered with the Ghana Armed Forces Engineer Regiment to implement a GH¢35 million land reclamation project aimed at restoring portions of the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve in the Western Region that have been severely degraded by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The initiative combines GoldBod’s environmental restoration efforts with the engineering capabilities of the military to repair extensive land damage and prepare the affected areas for reforestation.

The project targets the reclamation of 60 hectares within Compartment 161 of the forest reserve. The area has suffered years of illegal mining activity, contributing to the destruction of approximately 192.4 hectares of woodland between 2021 and 2024.

According to Samuel Danso, Sustainability Manager at GoldBod, illegal mining has left behind deep pits, unstable terrain and widespread environmental degradation, making natural regeneration difficult without significant engineering intervention.

The Ghana Armed Forces Engineer Regiment, under the command of Major Shem Adolinama, is leading the project's heavy earthmoving and civil engineering operations.

The ongoing works include filling dangerous mining pits, stabilising the soil and reshaping the landscape to create conditions suitable for vegetation to grow. Engineers are also constructing drainage channels to improve water management and minimise the risk of sediment flowing into the Tano River.

The interventions are intended to address both the visible destruction caused by illegal mining and the underlying land and water management challenges that could threaten the forest reserve’s long-term recovery.

GoldBod says the major engineering works are nearing completion, with the site undergoing final grading and preparation for the next phase of the restoration programme.

GoldBod and the military engineering team are expected to hand over the reclaimed land to the Forestry Commission in the coming weeks.

Following the handover, the Commission will oversee reforestation, including tree planting and the nurturing of indigenous vegetation to support the recovery of the degraded forest ecosystem.

The transition from engineering works to reforestation is expected to be a key stage in restoring the affected area and creating conditions for long-term environmental rehabilitation.

The project highlights the role of collaboration among state institutions in addressing the environmental consequences of illegal mining and restoring degraded public natural assets.

GoldBod says the initiative reflects its commitment to environmental responsibility and coordinated national efforts to reverse the damage caused by galamsey.

The Board has emphasised the importance of preparing the reclaimed land for sustainable restoration, with the ultimate objective of supporting the long-term recovery of the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve.