The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has called on the media to play a leading role in promoting Ghana’s degraded land reclamation efforts, emphasizing the critical importance of awareness, education, and accountability in restoring the environment damaged by illegal mining.
The appeal was made during a stakeholder engagement held at the Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi, which brought together regional heads of key agencies, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Regional Security Council, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Forestry Commission, Mineral Development Fund (MDF), NADMO, and representatives from the National Association of Small-Scale Miners.
The meeting, themed “The Role of the Media in Degraded Land Reclamation,” was part of a broader national effort to galvanize support for reclamation initiatives aimed at restoring lands devastated by illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey.”
Dr. Amoakohene stressed that the success of reclamation interventions hinges on public awareness and media engagement.
“We are counting on the media to educate, inform, and hold stakeholders accountable. Reclaiming our lands is not just a government project—it’s a national responsibility,” he stated.
Participants outlined several key roles the media can play, including raising public awareness by highlighting the benefits of reclamation and the consequences of land degradation.
Amplifying Community Voices: Providing platforms for affected communities to share their stories and concerns.
Educating the Public: Creating informative content such as documentaries, news stories, and social media campaigns on environmental protection and sustainable mining practices.
Officials also emphasized the media’s influence in shaping public opinion and promoting a culture of environmental responsibility.
Media scrutiny, they noted, can push mining companies to prioritize land restoration and adopt best practices.
The engagement was jointly supported by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Ashanti Regional Security Council, forming part of a coordinated effort to restore ecosystem health, protect community safety, and ensure long-term economic sustainability.
“As we move into full-scale reclamation exercises, we ask that you, the media, stay with us amplify our messages, tell the stories, and help rebuild Ghana’s degraded lands,” Dr. Amoakohene appealed.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
