The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has warned that illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, could have long-lasting, transgenerational effects on the country’s food security if not urgently addressed.
The Association expressed deep concern over the escalating galamsey menace, which is devastating water bodies and the environment.
In a recent statement, PFAG revealed that over 1.2 million hectares of farmland have already been destroyed by illegal mining activities. The Association is issuing a strong warning to the government, stressing that if drastic measures are not taken to halt this phenomenon, the country is on the verge of a generational food crisis. This crisis could be triggered by the lack of arable land, the effects of climate change, and the rampant destruction of water bodies.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, also expressed deep concern about the current state of the River Pra, a once-pristine water body that has become heavily polluted due to galamsey activities. A few weeks ago, the Asantehene took decisive action by destooling several chiefs involved in galamsey activities, intending to set a deterrent for others.
3News online
