GoldBod Commits GHS35m to Forest Reclamation

In a major push to reverse the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Ghana Armed Forces and the Forestry Commission to reclaim degraded lands in the country’s forest reserves.

The initiative, which gets underway with the restoration of 50 hectares within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, is valued at approximately GHS35 million and marks the first phase of a broader national reclamation programme.

Under the terms of the agreement, GoldBod will provide full funding for the project, while the Ghana Army Engineer Brigade will bring its technical and operational expertise to the site. The Forestry Commission will contribute its specialised knowledge in forest restoration and ecosystem management. The initial work will focus on Compartment 161 of the reserve, which has suffered extensive damage from illegal mining activities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to responsible resource governance. He noted that while gold remains a vital national asset, its extraction must not compromise the country’s environmental future.

“We are pleased to announce that we are ready to undertake what will be the first major reclamation project by GoldBod in the coming months,” he stated.

The Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi, described the initiative as timely, emphasising that efforts to prevent further destruction must be accompanied by concrete action to restore already damaged lands. He expressed hope that the project would set a precedent for similar interventions elsewhere.

The Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh C.A Brown, commended GoldBod for its prompt response to the Commission’s appeal for support, adding that the restoration of the initial 50 hectares would go a long way in protecting biodiversity and revitalising critical forest ecosystems.

GoldBod views the project as a direct contribution to national efforts to combat the environmental impact of illegal mining, and a demonstration that economic development and ecological preservation can be pursued side by side.