The Lands Ministry says Ghana’s water bodies are beginning to show signs of improvement following efforts to combat illegal mining. On land reclamation, he acknowledged that restoring lands destroyed by illegal mining remains a major challenge due to the high cost involved. Mr Shandorf mentioned Newmont Corporation and Zijin Mining Group among companies that have joined efforts to restore degraded lands. "The land reclamation process is factually and honestly very cost-intensive, and so that is where government would need a lot of support. The comments come amid continued public debate over government’s progress in addressing illegal mining, particularly concerns about the pollution of rivers and destruction of farmlands.