The newly installed Nkosuo Hemaa of Asamang Tamfoe, Nana Ama Bempomaa I, has launched a tree-planting initiative to reclaim lands destroyed by illegal mining.

She explained that her decision followed careful research into the needs of the community, which has become a hotspot for galamsey activities.

Calling for unity across the Atiwa enclave, Nana Ama Bempomaa I urged communities to join forces to restore degraded rivers and water bodies.

“Without food and proper water, we won’t survive, and too many of our lands have been damaged. If we partner, we will not be spinning atop in mud.

"The water source is not only from here; it comes from different places, and all communities are contributing. We want to take this into our hands, to do responsible mining and continue with agriculture,” she said.

The Chief of the area, Nana Osaberima Koh II, also emphasised that the reforestation effort would secure the livelihoods of farmers and protect the environment for future generations.

“Now that we are going to reforest the land, I think in about three or four years, everything will be okay with us. The farm could be used and everything will be for us to use again—especially for the generations unborn,” he noted.

Secretary-General of the Grassroots Future Alliance Foundation, Bernard Kwasi Boampong, highlighted government’s role in the fight against illegal mining.

“It is so evident that a lot has gone into the fight against galamsey since this government took over. Projects like Planting for Life and Responsible Mining are hitting hard at the problem. We are hopeful government will continue to partner with corporate bodies and NGOs like us to tackle this national canker,” he said.

So far, the initiative has received 1,000 seedlings out of an expected 3,000. With support from Zafia Arts, a group that blends creativity with advocacy, the project is engaging the community in innovative ways to restore mining-damaged lands through tree planting and sustainable farming.