Agribusiness Chamber plans protest over farmland destruction by illegal miners
The Chamber of Agribusiness is set to organize a demonstration in response to the ongoing destruction of agricultural farmlands by illegal miners, which has severely impacted the sector.
The Chamber reports that over 1.2 million hectares of farmland have been ruined, causing alarm among investors concerned about the future of their ventures.
In an interview with Citi Business News, CEO Anthony Morrison expressed frustration, highlighting that despite numerous complaints, illegal miners continue to devastate farmlands in their search for resources like gold.
“People’s investments have been destroyed due to illegal mining activities, and we are losing significant ground,” Morrison stated. He added that the Chamber plans to release a formal statement this week, followed by a demonstration involving farmers and agribusiness stakeholders.
Morrison called for immediate intervention from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, criticizing the government for failing to protect the livelihoods of the 57% of the rural population involved in agriculture, totaling about 17 million people.
He also warned of potential international consequences, including a ban on Ghana’s agricultural exports, as European countries and other markets enforce stricter import regulations in response to the crisis.
The Chamber plans to petition international organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to pressure the government into taking urgent action. Morrison emphasized that halting illegal mining is crucial for restoring investor confidence and revitalizing the agricultural sector.
