President John Dramani Mahama has commended the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) for engaging the Ghana Armed Forces to reclaim 253 acres of the Tano-Nimri Forest Reserve affected by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The President made the remarks on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the Mining in Motion Forum organised by the African Minerals Policy Centre. He highlighted the project as part of efforts to address the environmental damage caused by illegal mining.

GoldBod Engages Ghana Armed Forces

President Mahama praised GoldBod for awarding the reclamation contract to the Ghana Armed Forces.

The project aims to restore land damaged by illegal mining. The work includes reshaping affected areas, stabilising the ground and preparing the land for vegetation to grow again.

These measures are intended to support the recovery of the forest and reduce the lasting effects of mining activities.

Efforts to Restore the Damaged Forest

Illegal mining can leave forest reserves with deep pits, unstable ground and destroyed vegetation. Restoring these areas requires proper land rehabilitation and long-term environmental management.

The Tano-Nimri project involves cooperation among GoldBod, the Ghana Armed Forces and the Forestry Commission.

The military is supporting the reclamation work, while the Forestry Commission is expected to contribute to reforestation through tree planting and the restoration of native vegetation.

Protecting Ghana’s Forest Reserves

President Mahama’s commendation highlights the need for stronger efforts to address the environmental effects of galamsey.

Restoring damaged forest land can help protect vegetation, support biodiversity and safeguard water resources. However, lasting results will depend on continued restoration and measures to prevent further illegal mining.

The project also highlights the importance of cooperation among public institutions in protecting Ghana’s natural resources.

A Step Towards Sustainable Mining

GoldBod’s involvement in the project forms part of broader efforts to reduce the environmental impact of mining in Ghana.

The reclamation of the 253 acres could help restore the affected area, but continued monitoring and environmental management will be essential to protect the land over time.

The focus now is on completing the reclamation work and ensuring that restoration efforts support the long-term recovery of the Tano-Nimri Forest Reserve.

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