The Media Relations Officer at the Lands Ministry, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, has disclosed that the government is considering taking over lands reclaimed from illegal mining activities.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he explained that although the proposal is still under discussion, it aims to ensure accountability and prevent a recurrence of illegal mining on restored lands.
He noted that communities that fail to protect their lands from galamsey activities—even with the involvement of local authorities such as chiefs, District Chief Executives, assembly members, and opinion leaders—may lose control of those lands once the government invests resources to reclaim them.
“Since land reclamation requires significant financial commitment from the state, it is only fair that such lands revert to government control after restoration,” Paa Kwesi Schandorf said.
He further revealed that discussions are ongoing around a “polluter pays” principle, which would require individuals behind illegal mining activities—particularly kingpins—to bear the cost of environmental damage.
Under this proposal, offenders could either pay for the destruction caused or be compelled to restore the degraded land to its original state.
Paa Kwesi Schandorf emphasised that these measures are part of broader efforts to strengthen the fight against illegal mining and ensure long-term environmental protection.
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