The Eco-Conscious Citizens Environmental Group has called on the government to demonstrate genuine concern for the welfare of Ghana’s farmers and fishermen, accusing the authorities of offering only lip service to their needs.
In a statement released ahead of Farmers Day, the group emphasized the stark contrast between the government’s public praise for farmers and its failure to address the ongoing destruction of farmlands and livelihoods caused by illegal mining activities.
The group pointed out that 2 million peasant farmers are at risk due to the rampant activities of illegal miners, which continue to degrade the environment, pollute water bodies, and destroy vital agricultural lands.
Despite the importance of agriculture as the backbone of Ghana’s economy, Eco-Conscious Citizens argue that the government has not done enough to protect farmers from these threats.
Bismarck Tetteh, Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, echoed these concerns, warning that if the situation is not addressed, the country could face widespread food insecurity.
“Illegal mining is undermining the productivity of our farmlands and the health of our environment,” Tetteh said. “If this continues unchecked, it will lead to the collapse of our agricultural sector.”
The group also criticized the government’s focus on mining revenues, noting that Ghana’s gold exports generated $5.9 billion in 2023, but a large portion of that wealth was repatriated by foreign mining companies.
In contrast, farmers are left to deal with the fallout from land degradation and water pollution, which threatens their livelihoods.
As Farmers Day approaches, Eco-Conscious Citizens is urging the government to take immediate action to safeguard the agricultural sector.
The group is calling for the enforcement of laws against illegal mining, stronger investment in sustainable farming practices, and policies that prioritize the protection of farmlands, water bodies, and forests.
“We cannot eat gold,” the statement concludes, calling for long-term solutions that protect both the environment and the people who depend on it.
The group also urged political parties to commit to policies that will reclaim and restore the country’s damaged ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable future for all Ghanaians.
