In a partnership aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, the Forestry Commission (FC) and Asante Gold Chirano Ltd (AGCL) formalised their commitment to reforestation and biodiversity conservation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, 22nd November 2024.
The event, held at the FC Boardroom, highlighted the shared resolve of both parties to mitigate the environmental impact of mining activities while enhancing socio-economic opportunities for local communities.
The company’s mining lease, which spans 4,560 hectares, includes 2,039 hectares within the Tano Suraw and Tano Suraw Extension Forest Reserves in the Bibiani Didtrict of the Western Region .
Under the terms of the agreement, AGCL is required to undertake a reforestation offset project three times the size of any forest area impacted by their mining operations. To date, the company has impacted an estimated 230 hectares, triggering a commitment to reforest 690 hectares of land.
AGCL has already demonstrated its commitment by submitting a comprehensive Reforestation Plan, which has been approved by the Forestry Commission. The plan targets 695 hectares, exceeding the requirement by 5 hectares. Reforestation activities will include the establishment of 445 hectares of mixed-species forest plantations and 250 hectares of enrichment planting within designated compartments of the Tano Suraw reserves. Additionally, AGCL has pledged to protect remnant natural forests in the allocated areas and implement measures to control invasive species. The total cost of the Project is estimated at $7,231,379.60, to be executed over a 13-year period. Beyond its environmental benefits, the initiative is expected to create approximately 350 jobs, primarily for residents of nearby communities, further emphasising the Project’s social impact.
Speaking at the event, Mr. John Allotey, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, commended AGCL’s proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges, emphasising that the partnership aligns with Ghana’s broader commitment to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Mr. Stephen Asante Yamoah, General Manager of AGCL, expressed his company’s dedication to sustainable mining practices and pledged to deliver on their commitments under the MoU.
The ceremony concluded with the exchange of signed agreements and a photo session, symbolising a new era of collaboration between the two institutions