National Land Reclamation team embarks on sensitisation exercise in Bibiani Anhwiaso
The National Land Reclamation team under the auspices of National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme has embarked on a sensitisation exercise to educate communities on the importance of reclaiming mined-out lands.
Since its formation by President Akufo-Addo in 2021, the team with membership from quasi government institutions has engaged a number of affected communities facilitated by various Municipal and District Assemblies in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western and Western North regions.
The Municipal Coordinating Director for Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai, Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya Abudu during one of the sessions at the weekend commended the government for rallying support to safeguard the environment for posterity.
He noted that the devastation caused by illegal mining cannot be over stated.
Alhaji Abudu stressed the need for all to embrace such an essential and critical exercise to restore the environment to its past glory.
The Deputy National Coordinator of the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme for illegal miners, Mr Benedict Addae, impressed with the level of participation and inputs made by the residents.
According to him, illegal mining was not an event that can be halted on the spur of the moment, but it requires a number of strategies to be deployed on sustainable basis.
Mr Addae urged the contractor and consultant to deliver value for money projects to justify government’s investment in the intervention.
On her part, the Adontenhemaa of Sefwe Asawinso, Nana Gyasiwaa noted that they have accepted the project whole-heartedly, saying it will help prevent some deaths caused by uncovered holes dug by illegal miners.
The National Land Reclamation has been underlying a number of community engagements-to reclaim mined out lands, ensure responsible mining and provide alternative livelihood opportunities for illegal miners.
FROM TIMES REPORTER, BIBIANI ANHWIASO
