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The Chamber of Agribusiness has announced plans to stage a demonstration in response to the extensive destruction of agricultural farmlands by illegal mining, also known as “galamsey.” The Chamber claims over 1.2 million hectares of farmland have already been ravaged by these activities, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and agribusiness investors.
Speaking to *Citi Business News*, Anthony Morrison, CEO of the Chamber, expressed deep frustration, noting that repeated complaints to authorities have not halted the illegal mining operations.
“People’s investments have been wiped out due to the activities of illegal miners. This week, we plan to release a press statement, followed by a large demonstration involving farmers and agribusiness stakeholders. We are losing too much,” Morrison stated.
He urged the government to take immediate action, expressing a lack of confidence in President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s ability to protect the agricultural sector, which employs 57% of the rural population — approximately 17 million people.
The Chamber is also considering international interventions, planning to petition the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other global bodies to apply pressure on the government to address the crisis swiftly. Morrison warned of potential bans on agricultural exports from Ghana if European and other trading partners impose strict measures due to environmental concerns.
“We need to stop galamsey immediately. Investors are backing away because the areas designated for investment are being destroyed,” he added.
The Chamber hopes the protest will prompt decisive action to safeguard the future of Ghana’s agriculture sector and its critical role in the economy.
