The Minerals Commission and the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) are exploring a partnership to restore land damaged by mining and convert it into productive tree crop farms.
The proposed collaboration was discussed when a TCDA delegation, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andrews Osei Okrah, paid a courtesy call on the Minerals Commission. The talks focused on institutional cooperation in land reclamation and the development of sustainable tree crop farming.
Speaking at the meeting on November 6, Dr Okrah said the Authority wanted to help establish a strong and viable tree crops sector in Ghana.
“Our mandate is to regulate and create a conducive environment for the growth and development of tree and industrial crops in Ghana,” he said. “We believe that by working together, we can restore degraded lands and put them to productive use for the benefit of communities and the national economy.”
Dr Okrah said the TCDA was already carrying out projects across the country. He added that working with the Minerals Commission would allow the Authority to extend its reach, particularly in mining communities where extensive areas of land have been degraded.
Mr Isaac Tandoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, welcomed the delegation and praised the TCDA’s work. He said his organisation was prepared to work with the Authority.
“Land reclamation and environmental restoration form an integral part of our mandate,” Mr Tandoh said. “Through our Alternative Livelihood Programme, we are already reclaiming degraded mining lands, promoting tree planting and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for mining communities.”
He said the purpose of reclamation should not be limited to repairing environmental damage, but should also include generating long-term economic benefits for people living in affected areas.
“It is not enough to just reclaim the land. We must ensure that reclaimed lands are put to productive use through sustainable tree crop cultivation, so that communities can earn a living from them for years to come,” he said.
Mr Tandoh said bringing the responsibilities of the two institutions together could help ensure that restoration programmes deliver employment, income and food security.
The Minerals Commission and the TCDA agreed to deepen cooperation and use their respective technical expertise to support land reclamation, tree planting and sustainable livelihood programmes.
The partnership is expected to support environmental restoration, sustainable agricultural development and economic empowerment. It will also contribute to Ghana’s national agenda on responsible mineral resource management and the productive use of land.
The Minerals Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant institutions to restore areas affected by mining and turn them into productive assets for communities and the national economy.
