Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong has issued a dire warning about the long-term consequences of illegal mining (galamsey) on the country’s food security and cocoa industry.

Speaking on PM Express Business Edition on Joy News, the Minister expressed his concerns about the destruction of farmlands, especially cocoa plantations, as a result of galamsey operations.

“It frightens me. If galamsey continues, we wouldn’t have water for irrigation, and we will be affecting the final product, which is the crops we consume,” Bryan Acheampong said.

He highlighted that illegal mining activities, which often involve the use of harmful chemicals, have polluted rivers and other water bodies that are vital for farming activities.

This, he explained, poses a direct threat to Ghana’s ability to feed itself and maintain its status as a leading cocoa exporter.

The Minister did not hold back on the severity of the crisis, calling it an “existential threat” to the country’s agriculture sector.

“We need to have a national dialogue on this. It’s an existential threat to our health, our food, and the livelihoods of people in communities ravaged by galamsey,” Bryan Acheampong stated.

He added that while enforcement measures have been put in place, they have proven insufficient in stopping the illegal mining activities that continue to wreak havoc on Ghana’s farmlands.

Bryan Acheampong raised concerns over the destruction of cocoa farms, which are being cleared for illegal mining operations.

The cocoa industry is a crucial pillar of Ghana’s economy, and the Minister warned that its future could be in jeopardy if galamsey is not brought under control.

“The cocoa farms are being destroyed for illegal mining, and if this continues, it will have a devastating impact on our cocoa production,” he lamented.

The Agriculture Minister also warned that the polluted water sources from illegal mining activities will affect irrigation systems, further threatening food production. “

This is water. I want to continue to drink clean water, and if the situation with galamsey persists, we won’t have that,” he stated.

Looking ahead, Bryan Acheampong called for a reevaluation of the country’s mining regulations, particularly those related to small-scale mining, to prevent further destruction of farmlands and water bodies.

He commended President Akufo-Addo for initiating a review of the mining laws when Parliament reconvenes on October 15, noting that tighter regulations and stricter enforcement are necessary to protect Ghana’s natural resources.

However, the Minister emphasized that without the involvement of local communities, any legislative changes or enforcement actions would be in vain.

“There is gold in Kwahu, but me and my people, we have an understanding that you won’t come here. The community knows it will not happen, and therefore it is not happening,” Bryan Acheampong said, underscoring the importance of community cooperation in the fight against galamsey.

He urged Ghanaians to take ownership of the issue, stressing that protecting the environment and food security is not only the government’s responsibility but that of every citizen.

“We must all come together at this point because it is not a threat to Bryan Acheampong. It’s a threat to all of us.”