The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has denounced illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, as being driven by "callous and greedy" individuals.
The association has warned of severe repercussions for the environment, farmers' livelihoods, and food security.
During Channel One TV's "I Stand Against Galamsey" campaign, PFAG President Wepia Addo Awal Adugwala emphasized the alarming impact of galamsey on farmlands and water bodies.
He underscored the urgent need for action to mitigate the environmental damage and protect agricultural resources.
He revealed that approximately 1.2 million hectares of farmlands have been destroyed due to these activities, threatening the sustainability of the environment and the survival of farmers.
Adugwala urged the government to take decisive action against galamsey, stating, "This illegal and unquestionable activity which is being perpetuated on the state by callous and greedy individuals is not only threatening the sustainability of our environment but also the survival and livelihoods of farmers and our food and nutrition security." "Over the past years, over 1.2 million hectares of farmlands have been lost to the activities of illegal mining and our water bodies, including irrigation facilities have also been polluted, making it difficult to engage in meaningful and sustainable production.
The activity of illegal mining has not only destroyed the viability of our cocoa, it has also the production of crops for consumption, industrial usage and export." PFAG had earlier warned of an impending generational food and nutrition crisis if drastic measures are not taken to combat galamsey.
The Association emphasised that inaction would lead to catastrophic consequences, including a generational food crisis. By: Hamdia Mohammed