Illegal mining is a threat to food security - Importers and Exporters Association

Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, has posited that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is a threat to our stability, food security, environment, and exports.

He argued that the issue requires a collective approach devoid of any political colorization.

Speaking in an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he said that if we fail to address the issue, we could soon face an export ban due to the negative impact of galamsey on the produce we export to other countries.

He specifically warned that exported food products from Ghana, including cocoa, yams, and vegetables, have been found to contain traces of harmful heavy metals.

“We have a responsibility as Ghanaians to deal with this challenge. If we don’t address the galamsey menace, we will no longer be able to export to other countries. Galamsey is destroying our environment, forestry, and survival.

"Children are being born with deformities, and this could be attributed to illegal mining activities.

"A ban on our exports will have serious economic consequences for Ghana, given that the EU is one of the country’s largest trading partners.

"The time to act is now rather than to regret the consequences. We are putting the whole country at risk, and we will not survive if the ban is placed on our exports.”

Internally, he said Ghanaians are currently exposed to dangerous chemicals that may have contaminated our vegetables, fish, and other commodities.

He also encouraged the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and other allied agencies to intensify their surveillance in our markets to ensure Ghanaians are not consuming contaminated food.