The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has sounded an alarm about a looming food and nutrition crisis that could affect future generations if illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” continues unchecked.
In a statement released on Tuesday, September 10, the association called on the government to take decisive action, including enforcing a complete ban on illegal mining, in order to safeguard the environment, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and ensure food security.
PFAG reported that over 1.2 million hectares of farmland have been destroyed due to galamsey, with polluted water sources and damaged irrigation systems making sustainable farming increasingly difficult.
The illegal mining activities have also taken a toll on the cocoa industry and the production of other crops, as farmers struggle with limited access to clean water and fertile land.
The association warned that if immediate steps are not taken, the country could face a long-term food crisis, urging both the government and farmers to work together to eliminate illegal mining for the sake of the nation’s agricultural future.
