In a unified effort, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries, representing key industry bodies and stakeholders, urgently called upon Ghana’s president, the executive and parliament to address the critical issue of illegal mining (galamsey) wreaking havoc on the nation’s agricultural and aquatic ecosystems.
The detrimental impacts of galamsey activities on Ghana’s environment are summarized below:
1) Widespread depletion of Ghana’s Forest Reserve and destruction of 78% of freshwater bodies (FAO, 2022).
2) Loss of aquatic life, and biodiversity, and significant economic repercussions, including a $1.2 billion annual fish import bill (GSA, 2023).
3) Threats to food security, job creation, health, and national stability (MoTI, 2022).
4) Alarming pollution levels in water bodies and forest cover loss (EPA, 2023).
5) Health risks such as cancer, respiratory diseases, and birth defects are linked to exposure to hazardous substances used in galamsey (GHS, 2023).
6) Estimated annual economic losses of $2.3 billion and over 1 million individuals directly involved in galamsey (GSS, 2022).
Call to Action
The coalition demands immediate and decisive actions to combat galamsey:
1) Cease all galamsey operations immediately.
2) Immediate resignation or dismissal of the Minister for Mines and Natural Resources and his deputies.
3) Restore degraded lands and prosecute perpetrators.
4) Implement sustainable mining practices and support affected communities and industries.
5) Set up a National Anti-Galamsey Steering Committee comprising respected non-partisan citizens and key stakeholders.
6) Deployment of military and police personnel to affected areas.
7) Urgent implementation of measures to halt galamsey operations and conduct environmental assessments.
8) Provision of alternative livelihoods, development of a National Mining Policy, and setup of a Galamsey Rehabilitation Fund.
9) Promotion of agroforestry and reforestation efforts. We urged the Minister of Food and Agriculture to publicly denounce Galamsey’s impact, collaborate with the Minister of Environment, protect farmers’ lands, support affected farmers, and advocate for sustainable agricultural practices.
The coalition stands resolutely against the devastation caused by galamsey and calls for innovative solutions, community involvement, and justice for affected regions.
Together, through collective responsibility, we aim to safeguard our resources for a sustainable future. For further information or to join the fight against illegal mining.
Signed: • Chief Farmer Davies Korboe Chairman, National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association of Ghana • Anthony Kofituo Morrison CEO, Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana • Mr Jacob Adzikah CEO, Chamber of Aquaculture
