Bismark Nortey, the Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of illegal mining activities, particularly Galamsey, and its impact on farmers.
Speaking on ABC Midday News on November 8, 2024, Nortey criticized the government for celebrating farmers on one hand while ignoring the suffering caused by Galamsey on the other.
He described the government’s stance as “hypocrisy,” pointing out that illegal mining continues to degrade farmlands, pollute water bodies, and disrupt the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk.
Nortey highlighted the severe consequences of illegal mining for agricultural communities, where farmlands are being overtaken by miners and essential water sources for irrigation are contaminated.
“Farmers livelihoods have deeply been impacted because of Galamsey. There are several instances where farmlands have been taken over by these illegal miners.”
“There are several instances where water bodies being used for irrigation purposes have been heavily polluted that we are unable to use.”
“Livelihoods of fisher folks have also been heavily been impacted.”
“So we were expecting that since the call for an end to Galamsey became high, the government would have taken a much more radical approach to deal with the counter.”
“But all we see is totally different from what we expect.”
“Galamsey is still ongoing, our water bodies are still being polluted.”
“So how is it possible that the government can deny the suffering of the farmers on one hand and turn around and say you are celebrating the same people. Its an act of hypocrisy,” he said.
He called on the government to take stronger, more decisive action to end Galamsey, especially as the situation has worsened despite calls for intervention.
“We were expecting that the government would take a more radical approach, but instead, Galamsey is still ongoing,” he said, stressing that the continued pollution and environmental degradation undermine the country’s agricultural sector.
“so if government is really committed in addressing the plight and celebrating farmers, then the key issues that affect farmers such as Galamsey should be an issue that should be of utmost priority of government.”
“That is how come on this farmers day we are drawing attention,” he added.
The Peasant Farmers Association’s stance echoes concerns raised by the Eco-Conscious Citizens Environmental Group, which has also criticized the government for failing to adequately address the harm caused by illegal mining.
The group released a statement accusing the administration of paying lip service to farmers while allowing Galamsey to flourish, thus jeopardizing food security.
They argued that both the government and opposition are more focused on empowering small-scale miners than on protecting the environment and the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen.
As part of their call for action, Eco-Conscious Citizens urged the government to deploy military and police forces to remove illegal miners and their equipment from water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands.
They also called for the repeal of L.I. 2462 and an immediate halt to small-scale mining licenses to protect the nation’s agricultural resources and ensure the long-term security of food production.
