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The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) has attributed the severe shortage of vegetables and the resulting price hike to illegal mining activities in Ghana.
Mr. Edward Kareweh, the General Secretary of GAWU, stated that the areas serving as the vegetable production hub of the country are primarily the communities where galamsey is prevalent, making it challenging for farmers to cultivate crops.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he acknowledged that natural factors such as seasonal changes contribute to the issue, but he emphasized that the repercussions of certain policies are impeding food production.
Mr. Kareweh warned that galamsey has caused soil erosion, water pollution, land destruction, heavy metal contamination, and soil infertility, and the situation could worsen without appropriate measures.
The GAWU General Secretary highlighted the extensive environmental, social, and economic impacts of galamsey on communities and the nation, urging policymakers to adopt sustainable mining practices to prevent food insecurity.
"Vegetables are delicate crops that require clean water for growth, unlike cocoa or oil palm, which do not need potable water," he explained.
He pointed out that the water for vegetable production should be almost as clean as drinking water. However, galamsey activities have devastated most farms, and the surviving ones are at risk during the rainy season when floods inundate the vegetable fields.
Mr. Kareweh also mentioned that certain policies exacerbate the situation rather than addressing the natural gaps in food production.
"Tomatoes typically should not be as abundant as they were in January and February, but we must consider the marginal increase. Currently, unlike before, prices rise with every market day, becoming significantly more expensive, which warrants investigation," he said.
He expressed concern over the high costs of products, land preparation, and pesticides, which are vital for vegetable production and adversely impact the agricultural sector's development in the country.
