The Denkyira Heritage Foundation is spearheading the reclamation of Galamsey (illegal mining) sites within the Denkyira Kingdom to address the severe environmental impacts of these activities. Bad mining practices by both legal and illegal miners have led to widespread deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion, all of which exacerbate climate change. In Ghana, approximately 50% of the country’s forest cover has been lost since 1990, largely due to activities like galamsey. This destruction not only disrupts local ecosystems but also increases carbon emissions, contributing to global warming. Additionally, the removal of vegetation accelerates soil erosion, making the land less productive for agriculture and other essential land uses.

Moreover, galamsey has severely polluted water bodies in the Denkyira kingdom especially the Offin River, by increasing the turbidity and suspended clay particles. Studies show that about 60% of Ghana’s water bodies are polluted, primarily due to illegal mining activities. This pollution poses serious health risks, including excessive applications of chlorine and alum by Ghana Water Company during their water treatment processes, mercury poisoning, and threat to aquatic life, threatening the food security of communities that rely on fishing. The Denkyira Heritage Foundation’s reclamation efforts are crucial in reversing this damage, restoring degraded lands, and safeguarding the health and livelihoods of the Denkyira Kingdom’s people.