By: Jeremiah Nutsugah
The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has raised concerns about the devastating impact of illegal mining, also known as galamsey, on farmlands in Ghana.
In a press release dated September 16, GAWU emphasized that food security has become a critical issue in Ghana, with galamsey being a significant contributor to the problem.
Union members warn that if this trend continues, the country faces a looming food shortage crisis.
“Food security has become one of the scariest looming pandemics in Ghana… with little to no efforts by the state apparatus,” the statement read.
GAWU highlighted that galamsey has forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands, either due to coercion or frustration with the lack of effective systems to combat the issue.
GAWU noted that ” Galamsey remains an extremely dangerous and treacherous type of illegal mining activity which has forced several farmers to give up their farmlands either through coercive scans or out of frustration of no hope in our systems and structures put in plats to fight it. The negative effect of illegal and uncontrolled mining on Cocoa is unprecedented.”
The union noted that the negative impact of illegal mining on cocoa production is unprecedented, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources.
“With over seven thousand four hundred and seventy (7,470) cluster categories of Galamsey in the country. According to research gate Galamsey has led to the destruction of farm lands, water bodies exposing several informal workers to job and income insecurities across the country”.
The GAWU’s concerns echo the findings of studies on the impact of galamsey on agricultural lands and livelihoods in Ghana, highlighting the need for urgent action to protect the country’s food security and environmental sustainability.
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