Illegal mining is threatening Ghana's food security, not just environment - Ghanaian Farmer CEO

Enyonam Manye, Chief Executive Officer of The Ghanaian Farmer, spoke during the ninth edition of the Loud and Green X Space, stating that agricultural lands must receive the same level of protection as Ghana's mineral resources to safeguard the country's food security. She warned that continued destruction of fertile farmlands by illegal mining could undermine Ghana's ability to feed its growing population and weaken farming community livelihoods. Manye called for a shift in how authorities respond to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, stating, "First and foremost, we must protect our agricultural land with the same sense of urgency we protect our mineral resources."

Manye argued that agriculture and mining cannot be viewed as separate policy areas because farmland degradation affects food production, household incomes, and the broader economy. She called for stronger enforcement of existing laws against illegal mining, insisting that accountability must apply to everyone involved. Manye criticized a situation where only low-level miners are arrested while individuals who finance and organize illegal mining activities escape scrutiny. She stressed, "Laws against illegal mining must be enforced consistently, regardless of who is involved."