The Chamber of Agribusiness is threatening to stage a demonstration in response to the extensive destruction of agricultural farmlands by illegal miners.
The Chamber reports that over 1.2 million hectares of farmland have been devastated, causing serious concerns among agribusiness investors who risk losing their investments.
In an interview with Citi Business News, Chief Executive Officer Anthony Morrison highlighted that despite numerous complaints, illegal mining activities continue to ravage the land in search of gold and other resources.
“Investments are being lost due to the activities of illegal miners and galamsey operators.
We are planning a demonstration this week, followed by a press release and further actions involving the farming and agribusiness communities. The situation is dire,” he said.
Morrison also called for immediate intervention from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, criticizing his administration for failing to protect the livelihoods of over 57% of the rural population engaged in agriculture, totaling about 17 million people.
The Chamber plans to petition the Food and Agriculture Organization and other international bodies to urge the president to take decisive action.
Morrison expressed concerns that unchecked destruction could lead to the prohibition of agricultural exports from Ghana as European countries and other destinations impose stricter import safeguards.
He emphasized the need for urgent measures to restore and boost investment in the agricultural sector.
“If there can be an immediate stop to the issues of galamsey because there are a lot of people whose prospective investors are on the ice as a result of galamsey going on in identified zones where they ought to be doing their investment,” Anthony Morrison stated.
