The Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has appealed to the private sector to collaborate with the government and environmental agencies to help reclaim degraded lands across the country.
She expressed concern about the widespread destruction of farmlands, forests, and water bodies caused by illegal mining activities, describing it as a significant setback to Ghana’s environmental sustainability and economic growth.
Professor Klutse noted that the cost of restoring degraded lands is substantial, emphasising that collective action—especially private sector support—is essential to rehabilitate affected areas and promote sustainable land use practices.
She made the call during a Changfan ban enforcement operation in the Ashanti Region on Thursday, November 6.
“We’re deeply worried because our estimation and the World Bank report confirm that we have about 3 million hectares of land that are degraded. And it reminds us to restore the land. If we have to restore these lands to their original state, it involves filling the holes, giving the waters or rivers their original path.
“Planting the trees that were and getting the trees back and the place back to order. That is a huge cost on the state. Government, EPA, we’re advocating for the private sector to come in to support the reclamation of our lands and restore our bodies. EPA is in the process of looking for funds, requesting proposals for the reclamation of lands and cleaning of our water bodies. We’re taking steps in these processes,” she requested..
Source:Lovinghananews.com
