Ghana Gold Board invests GH¢35m to reclaim Tano Nimri forest ravaged by illegal mining

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has committed GH¢35 million to restore the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region, signalling a significant push to undo environmental damage caused by years of uncontrolled illegal mining activities. The reclamation project represents one of the most substantial corporate-led restoration efforts targeting lands scarred by galamsey operations in recent times.

The Tano Nimri Forest Reserve, like many forest zones across Ghana's mining heartland, has suffered extensive degradation from illegal small-scale and artisanal mining. These operations have stripped vegetation, contaminated water sources, and destabilised soil integrity across vast tracts of land. GoldBod's intervention signals both an acknowledgement of the scale of environmental challenge and an attempt by the state-owned entity to take active steps in remediation rather than relying solely on enforcement and prohibition.

The scale of illegal mining damage in Ghana

Illegal mining—commonly referred to as galamsey—has become one of Ghana's most persistent environmental crises. Over the past decade, satellite imagery and environmental assessments have documented widespread forest loss, mercury pollution in water bodies, and loss of agricultural productivity across mining regions. The Western North Region, encompassing areas like Wiawso and Sefwi, has been particularly hard hit, with forest reserves bearing the brunt of unregulated extraction.

The GH¢35 million commitment by GoldBod addresses a critical gap: whilst Government policy has focused on clamping down on illegal operators, fewer resources have been dedicated to healing degraded landscapes after mining ceases. Restoration work typically involves soil remediation, reforestation, and water quality rehabilitation—all labour-intensive and costly endeavours.

Why it matters for Ghana

This investment carries implications beyond Tano Nimri. First, it demonstrates that environmental restoration is economically feasible and potentially profitable at scale if properly managed. Second, it may set a precedent for other state and private entities to invest in similar projects, particularly as international pressure on Ghana's environmental governance increases and as local communities demand liveable conditions.

For Western North communities dependent on agriculture, fishing, and clean water, forest recovery is not merely symbolic—it directly affects livelihoods. Restored forests help stabilise rainfall patterns, regenerate soil for farming, and maintain water quality. The project also positions Ghana more favourably in international environmental commitments and may improve the country's reputation as mining investor regulations tighten globally.

However, the scale of the challenge remains daunting. GH¢35 million, whilst substantial, must compete against years of accumulated damage and ongoing illegal activities. The project's success will largely depend on enforcement efforts to prevent re-mining of reclaimed areas and on community engagement to ensure local populations support and benefit from restoration work.

Next steps and sustainability

For the reclamation initiative to achieve lasting impact, GoldBod and relevant agencies must ensure complementary anti-galamsey enforcement, long-term monitoring of restored sites, and transparent reporting on progress. Community participation in planting and site management can strengthen both environmental outcomes and social acceptance of the project.