The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has announced his ministry’s readiness to support the ongoing fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking to the media, Hon. Opoku explained that the decision stems from two major concerns. According to him, the harmful chemicals used by illegal miners eventually seep into the food chain, posing a serious threat to public health.
“I have a report before me that indicates that in some parts of the country, chemicals from illegal mining activities are contaminating food produced in those areas. If we consume such food, we are certainly shortening our lives. This is a matter of life, and that is why the Ministry of Agriculture is joining hands with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to fight illegal mining,” he stated.
He further stressed that addressing the menace requires a collective effort. While acknowledging that some progress has already been made, he cautioned that the problem cannot be eradicated overnight.
“It is something that must be sustained. Once we have made some gains, we need to consolidate them and keep pushing forward to ensure that the issue is dealt with comprehensively,” the Minister added.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Emmanuel Anyigba
