The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) has highlighted the significant challenges facing the country’s agricultural sector at the 40th National Farmers’ Day today
Farmers across the nation are honored for their hard work; the union warns that illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey is increasingly undermining the livelihoods of food producers and threatening national food security.
Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe, the General Secretary of GAWU, in a press release said “We celebrate the achievements of our farmers today, but we must also acknowledge the immense difficulties they face. Our farmers are among the hardest workers in Ghana, yet they remain among the poorest in society, and the ongoing menace of galamsey is only making matters worse.”
Mr. Tagoe added that, “Illegal mining has long been a major issue in rural areas, but its impact on agriculture is becoming increasingly severe. “Galamsey continues to pollute our water sources and destroy the land that our farmers depend on for their crops. This practice reduces agricultural productivity and jeopardizes food security,” The union has therefore called on the government to take immediate and decisive actions to curb illegal mining, which has been particularly harmful to farming communities. “It’s not just the land and water that are at risk – it’s the health and safety of our farmers and their families. If the government is serious about supporting agriculture, then addressing galamsey should be a priority,” he emphasized.
While the government has made some attempts to tackle illegal mining, GAWU insists that more needs to be done to ensure the long-term protection of Ghana’s farmers. The General Secretary of GAWU pointed out that, political parties should prioritize agricultural policies in their manifestos, outlining specific measures to address the issues of land degradation, water pollution, and the challenges caused by galamsey. In his words “We need a national effort to protect our farmers and make their work safer and more sustainable,”
Farmers have also faced other ongoing challenges, including climate change, post-harvest losses, and fluctuating market prices. “Farmers need more than just promises – they need action. They need affordable access to inputs, protection against climate impacts, and most importantly, a safe and clean environment to grow their food,” Mr. Tagoe stated.
This year’s National Farmers’ Day theme – “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security” – reflects the growing concern over climate change’s impact on farming. GAWU advocates for the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, including the provision of drought-resistant seeds, improved irrigation systems, and soil management techniques. “The adoption of these practices will help farmers better adapt to the changing climate and ensure food security for the future,”
The union through the Press Release also spoke about the importance of occupational safety for farmers stating that “Farming is a critical business that requires protective measures for those who work in the fields. It’s not enough to simply honor farmers today – we need to ensure their well-being every day,” there by calling for better regulation of pesticide use and support for health and safety measures in agriculture.
GAWU also took time to commend agricultural extension officers for their work in supporting farmers as they dedicate themselves to provide vital training and resources to farmers, helping them improve productivity and adapt to modern farming techniques.
By Desmond Tinana
