The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has raised alarm over the devastating impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on the environment and future generations.
Speaking to the media on Monday, September 29, 2025, Mr. Opoku warned that unless urgent and collective action is taken, the destruction of water bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems will leave irreversible damage for those yet to come.
“As for the illegal mining, it is not a matter of it being a challenge to me as a minister or to me as a citizen of this country. It is a challenge to all of us. This is because we are polluting the environment, destroying the land, and our water bodies. So, what future are we bequeathing to the future generation?” he asked.
The minister’s comments add to mounting calls from civil society, religious groups, and environmental advocates for stronger government measures to combat galamsey.
With food security, water safety, and environmental sustainability all under threat, Mr. Opoku stressed that safeguarding the environment must be seen as a national duty beyond political or individual interests.
