Mahama Vows to Reclaim Galamsey-Damaged Forests: Carbon Credits to Fund Ambitious Restoration Project

Ghana's President Mahama Pledges Forest Restoration Amidst Galamsey Crisis ACCRA, GHANA – In a recent address to the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, President John Mahama reaffirmed his government's commitment to tackling the devastating effects of illegal mining, known locally as 'galamsey.' The President acknowledged the alarming scale of forest destruction, stating, "60% of our forest reserves have been destroyed and encroached upon." This declaration highlights the urgent need for environmental remediation and underscores the severity of the ongoing crisis. Mahama's speech detailed plans for a large-scale forest restoration project. The initiative will leverage carbon credits to finance the reclamation and rehabilitation of damaged forestlands, a strategy aimed at securing international funding and promoting sustainable environmental practices. The President's commitment to this initiative is significant, signaling a renewed focus on environmental protection and sustainable development in Ghana. The government's plan aims to restore an estimated 4,726 hectares of forest. This ambitious undertaking represents a substantial step toward reversing the environmental damage caused by galamsey and preserving Ghana's natural resources for future generations. The successful implementation of this project could serve as a model for other countries facing similar environmental challenges.