Illigal mining: Over 960 Families Affected, 518 Acres of Farmland Destroyed in Ashanti Region
Illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, have destroyed crops belonging to over 960 families in three districts of the Ashanti Region, according to data from the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana.
The affected farmlands span over 518 acres, with crops ranging from cocoa to plantain and others.
Bismark Owusu Nortey, Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, revealed that the destruction extends beyond the Ashanti Region, with several districts across the country facing similar challenges.
The pollution of water bodies used for irrigation has also affected farming activities, forcing some farmers to resort to one-season farming.
Nortey urged the government to take immediate action to address the situation, questioning how much more damage the government would allow before intervening. He emphasized that the galamsey threat is real and poses a significant risk to food security.
The Executive Director also referenced the President’s previous announcement to develop a legal framework to punish individuals involved in illegal mining activities.
Nortey stressed the need for the government to expedite action to protect the country’s food security and agricultural sector.
The issue of food contamination was also highlighted, with concerns about the presence of chemicals in food consumed in areas affected by galamsey. Nortey emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent further damage.
By Bernard K Dadzie
