The Minority in Parliament is warning that illegal mining is destroying cocoa farms, poisoning water sources, and threatening Ghana’s long-term food security.

In a statement signed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to mark Farmers’ Day, the caucus said the country is running out of time to save the sectors that feed millions.

The statement said the day is not only for celebration but also for reflection.

“On the occasion of National Farmers’ Day, the Minority in Parliament extends heartfelt appreciation and resolute solidarity to the gallant farmers, fisherfolk, processors, and agricultural workers whose sweat and resilience continue to feed our nation — even as they face some of the gravest challenges in Ghana’s modern agricultural history.”

It added that “today is not only a day of celebration. It is a day for deep reflection.”

The caucus said farmers have been pushed into hardship by market failures and broken promises. It pointed to what it describes as “a catastrophic grain market collapse, where over 1 million metric tonnes of paddy rice valued at GH¢5 billion reportedly remain unsold.”

It said the government failed to honour its promise that the National Food Buffer Stock Company would buy all locally produced maize and rice. According to the statement, farmers have been “left stranded, their livelihoods jeopardised, and national food security undermined.”

The Minority also paid tribute to the country’s fishers and said their struggle has become harder. It said fishers face “depleted fish stocks, illegal fishing, and now, crippling logistical failures in the supply of essential inputs.” It added that their efforts show “the indomitable Ghanaian spirit.”

The statement described an escalating crisis in coastal communities. It said places like Keta have seen livelihoods collapse because of a “chronic non-supply of premix fuel.” It warned that the hardship reflects “systemic neglect that leaves boats docked, livelihoods frozen, and families hungry.”

The Minority said the despair in the sector has triggered protests. It noted that some farmer groups staged a symbolic boycott of national celebrations and marched “with placards asking: ‘Government promised to buy every grain. Where are you?’”

The caucus warned that markets are being distorted by foreign goods. It said “cheap, expired, and smuggled rice — often repackaged by politically connected importers — continues to flood the market.” It added that these imports make Ghanaian farmers uncompetitive and called the situation “a national failure.”

The statement said the worst damage is now being seen in the cocoa sector. It warned that farmers are facing collapsing prices and major losses linked to illegal mining. It said “30,000 hectares of cocoa farms have, according to COCOBOD, been lost to illegal mining.”

It described communities dealing with “land degradation, poisoned water, and collapsing livelihoods.” It added that some farmers have abandoned cocoa for other crops “simply to survive.”

The Minority said the destruction of water bodies is a direct threat to agriculture and fishing. It warned that pollution levels have reached dangerous limits and pointed to turbidity levels in the Ayensu River rising “over 30,000 NTU,” a figure far above what treatment plants can handle. It said this damage “devastates aquatic life and the fishing communities that depend on it.”

The statement highlighted the rising cost of production and the loss in productivity across the sector. It said farmers and fishers face logistical barriers, high equipment costs, and unreliable input supply. It added that Ghana still imports between “$3.5–4.5 billion worth of food annually,” a situation it described as unsustainable.

The Minority said the country must modernise fast and embrace technology. It urged investments in “AI-driven yield and catch forecasting,” “precision agriculture,” and “smart irrigation and sustainable aquaculture systems.”

It said this is how the country becomes competitive and builds a future-proof agricultural and blue economy.

The caucus laid out several demands, including the “immediate purchase of unsold grain stock,” restoration of premix fuel supply, enforcement against smuggled imports, and strong national action against illegal mining and illegal fishing.

It also called for proper funding for the Feed Ghana Programme and support for modern farming and fishing tools.

The statement ended with a tribute to food producers across the country. It said, “To the millions of Ghanaian farmers across our fields and the fishers upon our waters: We honour you. We celebrate you. We see your struggles. We stand with you.” It added that their “courage feeds the nation” and promised continued advocacy until the sector is properly modernised.

The Minority said a country that allows illegal mining to destroy cocoa lands and water bodies puts its future at risk and cannot secure food for its people. It wished all farmers a happy Farmers’ Day and pledged its commitment to protect their interests.