Government and Researchers partners to enhance food safety in mining communities Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, th

Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice President of Ghana has emphasized government’s pledge to bring illegal mining to end. She described it as a critical national situation that poses a risk to the environment of Ghana and public health.

During an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Belgium as part of her working visit to Brussels, Professor Opoku-Agyemang drew to attention that government is working towards banning mining in water bodies and forest reserves. This knobs of announcement indicates a more stringent approach on illegal mining activities that have destroyed a large section of Ghana’s natural resources in recent years.

The Vice President noted that as mining in Ghana has been part of financial and historical heritage for generations. She highlighted that the degradation seen in recent years is unprecedented, which needs an immediate comprehensive action.

She highlighted that “Ghana has mined for generations, but never witnessed such environmental degradation until recent years.”She also added that new measures are being implemented to restore the ecological stability. The Vice President emphasized that although the fight against galamsey may not show immediate impact as the commitment of the government stays firm.

She admitted that fixing the problem need a continuous commitment. She also stressed that the administration possesses the strength and determination to restore the environment of Ghana. The problem of galamsey  has destroyed a lot of water sources, farmlands and it has also undermine food access across a lot of regions in the country.

Apart from the mining crisis, Professor Opoku-Agyemang tackle issue related to food safety and sustainable agriculture,giving assurance to Ghanaians that government is collaborating with researchers to improve our soil testing and improve safer farming practices. The relationship between environmental degradation from illegal mining and agricultural productivity has become  more obvious with contaminated soils and water sources directly threatening food security and safety.

The Vice President noted that “We are working closely with experts to ensure food safety,” highlighting that responsible stewardship of the environment and public health are deeply connected. The strategy of the administration strategy indicates an understanding that solving the galamsey crisis goes beyond mere enforcement to include restoration of agricultural systems and preserving food security.

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