Galamsey threatens Ghana’s potential to generate billions from agriculture - Okudzeto

A member of the Council of State, Mr Sam Okudzeto, has warned that illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey is jeopardising Ghana’s potential to generate billions in export revenue through agriculture. 

Speaking on TV3’s Agenda programme on October 14, 2024, he stressed that the destruction of rivers and forests by galamsey operations is crippling the country’s ability to harness its fertile land for food production and exports.

Mr Okudzeto noted that despite Ghana’s vast resources, its agricultural sector remains underutilised. 

He questioned why the country continues to import large quantities of food, emphasising the need for better management and utilisation of local resources.

“God has given us very fertile land,” he said. 

With the right strategies, Mr Okudzeto added, Ghana could produce enough food for both local consumption and export.

He pointed to countries like Kenya, which successfully export agricultural products such as flowers, okra, and peppers, and suggested Ghana could achieve the same

“The climate here is the same as theirs,” he remarked, advocating for irrigation projects to unlock the potential of the Accra Plains and other regions. 

“If we irrigate the land, we can grow peppers, okra, tomatoes, and more,” Mr Okudzeto said, imagining a system where fresh produce could be harvested in the morning and flown to international markets by the afternoon.

He expressed concern over land degradation caused by illegal mining, or “galamsey,” and the negative impact this has on agriculture.

He condemned the practice of local chiefs selling cocoa farms to foreign interests for mining.

“If we do this right, it could bring billions of dollars into the country,” Mr Okudzeto noted, urging the government and local communities to work together to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources.