Techiman: The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has appealed to farmers across the nation to take an active role in combating illegal mining activities, known locally as galamsey, which are threatening the country's agricultural lands.
According to Ghana News Agency, Nana Ameyaw Manu, a former Vice Chairman of the PFAG, advised farmers to report any suspected illegal mining activities to the security services. In an interview conducted at Techiman in the Bono East Region, Nana Ameyaw highlighted the negative impact of illegal mining on agriculture, noting the significant loss of arable farmlands. He warned that if the situation is not controlled, it could severely compromise the nation's food security, as the current illegal mining activities are reducing crop yields and hindering food productivity.
Nana Ameyaw pointed out that their research indicates poor performance of food crops and cocoa in areas affected by illegal mining. He encouraged farmers to take proactive measures to protect their lands from both illegal mining and sand mining. He expressed concern over the trend of young farmers leaving agriculture for illegal mining opportunities.
In addition to mining, Nana Ameyaw identified illegal logging as another threat to Ghana's forest cover. He urged farmers to report illegal chainsaw operations to the Forestry Commission and security agencies.
In a related discussion, Madam Rebecca Nana Serwaa Twumwaa, a farmer specializing in vegetable and economic crop production, shared with the Ghana News Agency that the pollution and destruction of water bodies by illegal miners have adversely affected vegetable production.
