A former District Chief Executive for Sekyere Afram Plains, Fuseini Donkor, has revealed the government will be embarking on a project of using bamboo to reclaim lands degraded by illegal mining activities.

According to him, President Mahama sought the collaboration of some foreign partners who have started planting bamboo in the country.

“When you go to Atebubu and Bantama, these foreigners have planted about 15 thousand acres of bamboo. These trees within five years can grow over eight metres,” he said.

Speaking on Nhyira FM’s morning show, “Kuro Yi Mu Nsem,” Mr. Donkor told Nana Kwadwo Jantuah that a feasibility study worth thousands of dollars was conducted by the partners for free on the destroyed lands before initiating the project.

He explained negotiations between President Mahama and the foreigners started during the NDC’s previous tenure.

“It was in 2016, during NDC’s previous term. But when the government changed, things didn't go as planned. And they decided to plant and wait till the NDC is in power again.

“In 2022, the president pleaded with them to find trees they could plant on lands that are being destroyed by Galamsey practices. Trees that will be productive, can’t be easily destroyed and grow fast,” he stated.

Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world. It has been recorded to grow at an amazing 47.6 inches in 24 hours. They can be used as building materials, food, medicine and air purification.

Mr Donkor explained that the type of bamboo to be used for the reclamation can also be used for ethanol production.

“They have brought us a better type of bamboo. The research shows these have very thick mass. It is not like the normal bamboo with bigger holes inside. The most amazing part of it is that it can be used for ethanol,” he added.

He stated that President Mahama is targeting 1 million acres of land across the country for the plantation.

The former DCE for Sekyere Afram Plains announced the Ashanti region is greatly going to benefit from this project, especially the Sekyere Afram Plains.