The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has announced its decision to reclaim lands affected by mining activities, specifically targeting areas with abandoned open pits.

These lands will be returned to the stool, ensuring they are once again under the control of the community.

At a durbar of chiefs and people of the Gyaase division in the Akyem Abuakwa State, the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, expressed deep concern over the environmental and health hazards caused by illegal mining activities.

He noted that the abandoned pits pose significant risks to the well-being of the people.

The Okyenhene emphasised the council’s commitment to spearheading the reclamation efforts, which will focus on restoring the damaged lands to their original state.

This initiative aims to protect the environment while addressing the health threats posed by the neglected mining areas.

He further stressed the importance of sustainable land management, stating that once the lands are reclaimed, they will be permanently returned to the community to ensure long-term protection and benefit for future generations.

“Any landowner who releases his or her land to a miner stands the chance of losing it for life if the miners do not reclaim the land after mining. We shall look for resources and reclaim those lands and hold the interest in those lands, and nobody can do anything about it."

“Today, some new babies are born with deformities, some without hands, eyes and all forms of deformities due to the toxic nature of the chemicals left in our waters and land."

“People come here to mine, destroy our lands and leave to their hometowns to enjoy, and you sit here as landowners and continue to release your lands for illegal miners. It’s unthinkable.”