The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has called for a comprehensive, multi-sector approach to tackling illegal mining also known as galamsey, warning that the continued destruction of farmlands and natural resources poses a grave threat to food security in Ghana.
The call was made during the media launch of World Food Day, which also coincided with the FAO’s 80th anniversary celebration in Accra.
FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, stressed the urgent need for collaboration among stakeholders to address the menace holistically.
“The fact that it has been lingering for quite some time in Ghana, despite efforts from the government, is a source of concern. But it’s not irreversible,” he said. “The water bodies can be treated and cured if appropriate measures are taken. The degraded land can be restored, and alternative livelihoods for young people and communities can be revitalised.”
Dr. Haile-Gabriel emphasised that addressing illegal mining requires a comprehensive strategy, as it affects multiple sectors beyond agriculture.
“It touches on natural resource management, food security, forestry, water, public health, and economic activities such as trade in gold. It requires a long-term, coordinated response that places affected communities at the forefront,” he added.
He further noted that Ghana could draw lessons from successful interventions in other countries to restore degraded lands and protect water bodies.
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