Otumfuo Osei Tutu II launches 153-hectare land reclamation project

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has officially launched the Jimi Land Reclamation and River Watercourse Rehabilitation Project, a major environmental initiative to restore 153 hectares of land devastated by illegal mining. Inaugurated in Tasliman within the Adansi Asokwa district, the project represents a flagship effort of the Ashanti Green Initiative (AGI) to combat the ecological damage caused by galamsey operations. Accompanied by Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Asantehene emphasized the urgent necessity of protecting the region’s natural resources and restoring vital ecosystems for the benefit of local communities and future generations. The restoration effort focuses on areas around the villages of Gyimisokakraba, Ayease, and Akwesi Ankromakrom, where illegal small-scale mining has left a legacy of siltation and heavy metal contamination. A primary objective is the rehabilitation of the Jimi River, a critical water source whose quality has been severely compromised by high levels of turbidity. These mining-related impacts have long threatened the reliability of drinking water supplies for thousands of residents in the surrounding area. By restoring the river’s natural course and ecological health, the project aims to ensure sustainable water security for the entire district. To achieve these goals, the initiative utilizes a science-based approach to environmental recovery, including regular monitoring of soil and water health and the cultivation of kenaf, a plant selected for its ability to extract heavy metals from contaminated soil. The technical execution is a collaborative effort between the Ashanti Green Initiative, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), and the engineering firm Zutari. The project also receives significant support from AngloGold Ashanti, highlighting a multi-sector partnership between traditional leadership, the government, and private industry. Officials at the launch noted that the Jimi project is designed to serve as a national model for land reclamation throughout Ghana. By successfully reclaiming these 153 hectares and restoring the Jimi River, the partners aim to demonstrate that the environmental scars of illegal mining can be healed through structured intervention and community cooperation. This initiative is expected to provide a blueprint for future environmental recovery efforts across other regions currently suffering from the long-term impacts of illegal galamsey activities.