The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has sounded an alarm, warning of a potentially catastrophic food and nutrition crisis that could span generations if swift and decisive action is not taken to combat the scourge of illegal mining, known as ‘galamsey’.
In a statement dated Tuesday, September 10, the Association implored the government to take immediate action by imposing a comprehensive ban on illegal mining activities, citing the need to safeguard the environment, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and ensure the nation’s food security.
PFAG reports that a staggering 1.2 million hectares of arable land have been irreparably destroyed due to illegal mining operations, leaving vast swaths of once-productive farmland useless. Furthermore, the unchecked pollution of water bodies and irrigation systems has crippled sustainable agricultural production, with the cocoa sector and food crop production bearing the brunt of the devastation. Farmers are now struggling to access even the most basic necessities: clean water and fertile soil, essential for their livelihoods and the nation’s food security.
The Association stressed that failure to address the issue of illegal mining will have far-reaching and devastating consequences, culminating in a severe generational food crisis.
The Association has added its voice to the growing chorus demanding an immediate and total ban on illegal mining activities, and is urging farmers to join forces in the fight against this destructive menace, to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture and food security.