Ghana Agriculture and Aquaculture Associations Unite Against Galamsey, Urging Government Action
A coalition of Ghana’s leading agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries associations has called on the government to take immediate and decisive action against illegal mining, or galamsey, which is devastating the nation’s natural resources and threatening both livelihoods and food security.
In a strongly worded statement, the coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) representing key industry stakeholders urged the executive, parliament, and President Nana Akufo-Addo to address the severe environmental and economic impacts of galamsey, which they say is undermining Ghana’s long-term stability.
The coalition’s concerns are grounded in alarming data highlighting the extent of the damage. According to a 2022 report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), illegal mining activities have depleted 78% of Ghana’s freshwater bodies and caused widespread deforestation. The destruction of aquatic ecosystems is especially troubling for a country where fish consumption remains a major part of the national diet. As a result, Ghana faces a staggering $1.2 billion annual fish import bill (Ghana Statistical Service, 2023), exacerbating the country’s trade deficit and threatening its food security.
The economic toll of galamsey extends beyond environmental degradation. The Ghana Statistical Service estimates that the country suffers annual economic losses of $2.3 billion due to the widespread illegal mining operations, with over 1 million people directly involved in these activities. The damage is not only financial but also social, with health implications becoming increasingly evident. Exposure to hazardous chemicals used in galamsey, such as mercury and cyanide, has been linked to cancer, respiratory diseases, and birth defects, according to the Ghana Health Service.
The coalition’s demands include an immediate cessation of all galamsey activities, the resignation or dismissal of the Minister for Mines and Natural Resources and his deputies, and the restoration of degraded lands. They also called for the prosecution of those involved in illegal mining operations and the establishment of sustainable mining practices. Among the more detailed measures, the coalition urged the government to set up a National Anti-Galamsey Steering Committee, composed of respected non-partisan citizens and industry experts, to oversee efforts to combat illegal mining.
Additionally, the coalition recommended the deployment of military and police personnel to *galamsey*-affected areas to enforce these measures, as well as the development of a National Mining Policy. The policy, they argue, should incorporate alternative livelihood programs to provide economic opportunities for individuals currently dependent on illegal mining. A Galamsey Rehabilitation Fund was also proposed, aimed at restoring degraded lands and supporting communities whose livelihoods have been affected by galamsey.
The coalition also appealed to the Minister for Food and Agriculture to publicly denounce the impact of galamsey on agricultural productivity and to work closely with the Ministry of Environment to protect farmers’ lands. They emphasized the need for increased support for affected farmers and a commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The coalition’s unified stance against galamsey highlights the urgency of addressing one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental and economic challenges. Their call for innovative solutions, community engagement, and government accountability underscores the critical role that effective governance will play in safeguarding the country’s natural resources and securing a sustainable future for its citizens.
