We’ll Restore Forests and Reclaim Cocoa Farms — Rita Awatey Vows to Fight Galamsey
Eastern Regional Minister-Designate outlines bold plans to tackle illegal mining and revive cocoa farming through reforestation
- Awatey promises strict enforcement of laws to curb illegal mining
- Plans to restore degraded forests and farmlands through tree planting
- Aims to help cocoa farmers reclaim lands for sustainable production
Rita Awatey, the Eastern Regional Minister-Designate, has pledged a firm commitment to tackling illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’
Concerned about the destructive effects on farmlands, forests, and cocoa plantations, she emphasized the urgency of intervention to protect the region’s natural resources.
Speaking before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on January 23, 2025, Awatey outlined her vision to spearhead an ambitious reforestation campaign aimed at reviving degraded lands. She stressed that this initiative would empower farmers to restore cocoa production and drive socio-economic development.
“Illegal mining has devastated our cocoa lands and forests. We will enforce laws to protect farming areas and reserved forests while initiating reforestation efforts to reclaim our environment. This is essential to making the Eastern Region and Ghana thrive again,” she assured.
