The burgeoning menace of illegal gold mining in Northwestern Ghana is casting a long shadow over the region’s agricultural sector, posing a significant threat to food security, according to a leading expert.
Dr. Gordon Yenglier Yiridomoh, a lecturer at the Department of Community Development, Faculty of Planning and Land Management, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, has raised alarm over the devastating impact of these illegal operations on climate-smart agriculture.
“Illegal mining is wreaking havoc on our agricultural lands, polluting water bodies, and degrading the environment,” Dr. Yiridomoh warned. “These activities are directly undermining the efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture, which is crucial for ensuring food security in a region already grappling with the impacts of climate change.”
The researcher emphasized that the destruction of fertile lands through illegal mining is not only reducing agricultural yields but also increasing the vulnerability of communities to food shortages. Additionally, the contamination of water bodies with harmful chemicals used in the mining process is posing a serious threat to both human health and agricultural productivity.
“We need to take urgent steps to curb illegal mining activities and restore our degraded lands,” Dr. Yiridomoh stressed. “This requires a concerted effort from government, communities, and other stakeholders to implement effective measures to protect our environment and safeguard the livelihoods of our people.”
The expert called for stricter enforcement of mining regulations, community-led initiatives to combat illegal mining, and the promotion of alternative livelihoods for those involved in the illicit activities.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and food insecurity, the situation in Northwestern Ghana serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of these issues. Addressing the problem of illegal mining is essential for building a sustainable future for the region.
