The newly installed Nkosuo Hemaa of Asamang Tamfoe, Nana Ama Bempomaa I, has taken a bold step in the fight against illegal mining by spearheading a community-driven tree-planting initiative aimed at reclaiming lands devastated by galamsey operations.
The program, launched over the weekend in the Atiwa East District of the Eastern Region, seeks to restore degraded farmlands, polluted rivers, and destroyed water bodies, while fostering a culture of sustainable development.
A Vision Born from Research and Community Needs
Speaking during the launch, Nana Ama Bempomaa I said her decision to embark on the project was informed by careful research into the pressing needs of her people. She explained that Asamang Tamfoe and surrounding communities have long suffered the devastating consequences of galamsey, which has stripped vast areas of vegetation, poisoned water sources, and threatened agriculture, the backbone of the local economy.
“Without food and proper water, we won’t survive, and too many of our lands have been damaged,” she lamented. “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.”
Her remarks emphasized the interconnectedness of communities within the Atiwa enclave, urging unity in the fight to restore the natural environment.
Chiefs and Community Leaders Back Initiative
The Chief of Asamang Tamfoe, Nana Osaberima Koh II, commended the efforts of the Nkosuo Hemaa, describing the tree-planting drive as a legacy project that would secure livelihoods and preserve 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 said.
The Chief’s comments reflect the community’s deep reliance on agriculture, which has been under severe threat due to the loss of arable land to galamsey. He stressed that reforestation is not just about trees but about protecting food security, livelihoods, and heritage.
Civil Society and Government Partnership
The program has also attracted the support of civil society organizations. Bernard Kwasi Boampong, Secretary-General of the Grassroots Future Alliance Foundation, highlighted the government’s efforts in combating illegal mining while calling for stronger collaborations.
“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 the government will continue to partner with corporate bodies and NGOs like us to tackle this national canker,” he said.
Boampong’s remarks underline the critical role of civil society and the private sector in complementing government’s efforts to win the fight against environmental degradation.
Tree-Planting to Reclaim Lives and Livelihoods
So far, the initiative has received 1,000 seedlings out of an expected 3,000, with the goal of reforesting lands that have been left barren and unusable by galamsey activities. The seedlings will be planted across reclaimed mining sites, riverbanks, and abandoned farmlands, ensuring a gradual restoration of the ecosystem.
In addition to environmental restoration, the project is expected to generate long-term economic benefits by enabling local farmers to return to their lands, improve crop yields, and sustain agriculture. By integrating sustainable farming practices into the reforestation plan, the initiative is designed to prevent further encroachment on forests while creating jobs for the youth.
Blending Creativity with Advocacy
A unique feature of the project is its partnership with Zafia Arts, a community-based group that uses art as a tool for advocacy. Through creative performances, visual arts, and storytelling, Zafia Arts is helping to mobilize the community, especially young people, to embrace environmental stewardship.
By combining tree-planting with cultural expression, the project is creating a movement that is not only practical but also inspiring, making environmental protection a shared responsibility.
Galamsey and Its Widespread Impact
Illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has been one of Ghana’s most persistent challenges. Beyond destroying lands and forests, galamsey has poisoned rivers with mercury and cyanide, endangered aquatic life, and posed grave health risks to communities. Towns in the Atiwa East District, including Asamang Tamfoe, have been at the epicenter of this crisis, with locals often torn between the short-term financial gains from illegal mining and the long-term destruction of their environment.
Environmental experts warn that if galamsey is not addressed urgently, the country risks losing critical water sources such as the Birim, Pra, and Ankobra rivers, which serve millions of households. It is against this backdrop that community-driven efforts like Nana Ama Bempomaa I’s initiative are being hailed as models worth replicating.
A Call to Action
As the seedlings take root, the Nkosuo Hemaa is calling on all stakeholders—traditional authorities, government agencies, civil society organizations, and community members—to lend their full support. She stressed that reversing the damage caused by galamsey is not the responsibility of one person or one institution but a collective duty.
“Restoring our lands and waters is about survival. It is about the health of our children and the strength of our future. If we join hands, we can reclaim our community and turn this story around,” she said passionately.
Looking Ahead
With the commitment of local leaders, support from civil society, and growing community participation, the Asamang Tamfoe initiative represents hope in the fight against illegal mining. If successful, it could serve as a blueprint for other communities across Ghana battling the scourge of galamsey.
For now, the planting of 1,000 seedlings is just the beginning of a larger dream—one where Asamang Tamfoe and the Atiwa enclave can once again boast fertile farmlands, clean rivers, and sustainable livelihoods for generations to come.
