GHANA’S agricultural workers are attributing severe vegetable shortages and price hikes to the activities of illegal miners, known locally as ‘galamsey,’ which translates to ‘gather them and sell.’ These miners conduct illegal small-scale mining, primarily in gold-rich deposits across the country, severely impacting the agricultural sector.
Edward Kareweh, General Secretary of the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), highlighted on Thursday that the main hubs for vegetable production are also the communities where galamsey activities are rampant. This situation makes it difficult for farmers to find suitable land for cultivation, according to the Ghana News Agency.
Kareweh explained that the environmental damage caused by galamsey activities includes soil erosion, water pollution, land destruction, heavy metal contamination, and soil infertility. He warned that the situation could deteriorate further if appropriate measures are not taken to curb these illegal mining operations.
‘Vegetables are delicate crops; you need clean water to grow vegetables, but you don’t necessarily need clean water to grow cocoa or oil palm because the water that runs under it must not necessarily be the one that we can drink,’ Kareweh said.
As of June 2024, the retail price range for vegetables in Accra and Kumasi is between GHS 10.56 and GHS 21.12 per kilogram, according to Ghana Statistical Services. This marks a significant increase from the average price of GHS 12.5 per kilogram in January of the same year.
Kareweh also pointed out that the high costs associated with land preparation and pesticides are other contributing factors to the current crisis. These elements are critical to vegetable production and have adversely impacted Ghana’s agricultural sector.
The ongoing galamsey activities have caused extensive environmental damage, making it increasingly challenging for farmers to produce vegetables. The contamination of water sources and soil degradation has rendered many agricultural lands unusable, forcing farmers to abandon their fields.
In addition to the environmental impact, the economic consequences are severe. The rising costs of vegetable production are being passed on to consumers, leading to higher retail prices and making it difficult for many Ghanaians to afford basic food items.
Agricultural workers and union leaders are calling for urgent government intervention to address the issue of illegal mining. They emphasise the need for stricter enforcement of mining regulations and the restoration of damaged lands to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
Without immediate action, the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s agricultural sector is at risk, with potentially devastating consequences for food security and the economy.
The activities of illegal miners, or galamseys, are causing severe vegetable shortages and price hikes in Ghana. With environmental degradation and rising production costs, the situation is becoming increasingly dire for farmers and consumers alike. Immediate and effective measures are necessary to curb these illegal activities and protect the future of Ghana’s agriculture.
