The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) have added their voice to the incessant calls for the release of protestors who were arrested during the #SayNoToGalamsey protest.

The Police arrested and detained over 50 protestors who were protesting against illegal mining in Ghana.

They have been remanded in prison till October 8, 2024.

PFAG in a statement on October 1, 2024, said: "While these protestors are detained, the illegal miners continue to destroy farmlands, pollute water bodies, and endanger rural livelihoods in actions that contradict the government’s own "Greening Ghana" initiative. The campaigners were only bringing urgent attention to these critical issues and advocating for the protection of our forests, water bodies, and the environment."

The group noted that the continued escalation of “galamsey” across the country threatens the very foundation of Ghana’s agricultural sector, which is the backbone of the economy and sustains millions of Ghanaians.

They also lamented the dire effects of galamsey on water bodies.

"'Galamsey' has resulted in widespread destruction of farmlands, pollution of rivers, and contamination of soils, rendering vast tracts of fertile land unsuitable for farming. Farmers in affected communities are experiencing declining yields, reduced incomes, and the loss of land that could otherwise feed the nation and contribute to exports," the statement noted.

Read some parts of the release below

In some areas, farmers are being threatened by traditional authorities to relocate if they cannot co-exist with “chanfan” operators.

A report by the Journal of Rural Studies on the impact of “galamsey” on cocoa production in Ghana revealed that the cocoa sector lost over 19,000 hectares of farmland to illegal mining in 2023.

The study further highlighted that some cocoa farmers were forced to carry water from their homes to irrigate their crops due to water pollution caused by galamsey activities.

The most recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service reported a negative 26.2% year-on-year growth in cocoa real GDP, which can be largely attributed to illegal mining.

Additionally, the Forestry Commission found that 34 forest reserves are under threat from “galamsey”.

With such alarming reports, it is shocking and disheartening that any government genuinely concerned about the future of its citizens would not prioritize addressing these pressing issues. Instead, resources and security forces have been used to intimidate active citizens fighting to protect our environment. The PFAG firmly stands by its position and support its allies and will not remain silent while those who fight for this cause are unjustly punished.

We therefore demand the following actions from the government:
1. Immediate Withdrawal of Charges: We call on the Attorney General to immediately file a “nolle prosequi” to discontinue the case and release the protestors who have been detained for advocating for the protection of our environment. The inhumane treatment and harsh detention of these individuals is both condemnable and unacceptable.

2. State of Emergency on Mining: We demand the immediate declaration of a state of emergency on mining activities in river bodies, forest areas, and farmlands, with the deployment of security forces to protect these areas.

3. Ban on Mining in Protected Areas: We call for an outright ban on all forms of mining in water bodies, forest areas, and farmlands.

4. Revocation of L.I. 2462: The government must immediately revoke L.I. 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves.

5. Land Reclamation and Restoration: We demand the implementation of a comprehensive land reclamation and restoration plan for all farmlands that have been destroyed by illegal mining.

6. Support from Members and Civil Society: The PFAG calls on all its members across the country to stand firm and actively participate in actions aimed at saving our water bodies and farmlands from further destruction. We fully support the calls by organized labor and other interest groups to embark on actions that will compel the government to act swiftly.

We will not relent until the government takes meaningful steps to halt all mining in our rivers and forest reserves. A state of emergency must be declared now to protect our food security.

HALT ALL MINING IN OUR RIVERS AND FOREST RESERVES; DECLARE A STATE OF EMERGENCY NOW!

SSD/ ADG

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