The Mineral Development Fund (MDF) has organized a Green Ghana Walk in Kumasi to raise awareness about the importance of tree planting and environmental restoration in mining communities.

The event brought together the Fund’s Administrator, security services, schools, churches, and various community groups.

Speaking to Oyerepa News, Dr. Hannah Bissiw, Administrator of the Fund, said the walk was part of efforts to promote President John Mahama’s vision for a greener future and a healthier environment.

“One of the major mandates of the Fund is to address the negative impacts that mining has on our communities,” Dr. Bissiw explained.

She highlighted the environmental challenges caused by mining activities, noting, “We have witnessed the destruction of forest reserves, water bodies, and communities. Mining is taking place in front of hospitals, schools, and residential areas. In many mining communities, there are no trees left, no cocoa farms, no green grass, and people are suffering.”

Dr. Bissiw said the Fund is working to redress these impacts through awareness campaigns and land restoration initiatives.

“Recently, the President, together with the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, planted trees and encouraged all Ghanaians to participate. As the Fund responsible for mining communities, we have partnered with an NGO to restore over 500 acres of degraded land,” she noted.

She added that the Fund is nurturing thousands of seedlings and encouraging miners to rehabilitate lands after completing mining activities.

“We are also promoting safe, mercury-free mining practices. This initiative is part of our broader effort to amplify the President’s call for a Green Ghana, responsible mining, and environmental restoration,” Dr. Bissiw said.

The Registrar emphasized the involvement of children in the walk, saying it is crucial for educating the younger generation about the dangers of environmental degradation and the benefits of greening the country.

“By restoring our lands and planting trees, we are working toward a greener, sustainable future for all,” she concluded.

The Green Ghana Walk in Kumasi is among several initiatives being implemented by the MDF to rehabilitate degraded lands, promote responsible mining, and foster environmental sustainability in Ghana’s mining communities.

Source: Kwaku Antwi Bosiako