‎UN Human Rights Experts Raise Alarm Over ‘Galamsey’ Impact on Ghanaian Farmers ‎

Story by Azaglo Michael 

Closing a landmark ten-day mission, the United Nations Working Group on the Rights of Peasants has called for urgent action to bridge the "major gap" between Ghana’s national policies and the harsh realities faced by rural food producers.

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‎The delegation, visiting at the invitation of the Government of Ghana, concluded their assessment with a press briefing detailing the systemic challenges threatening the nation's agricultural backbone.

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‎Speaking exclusively with Nation 1 TV in Accra, Working Group member Ms. Uche Ofodile praised Ghana’s existing legislative framework but noted a significant disconnect in its execution.

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Working Group member Ms. Uche Ofodile 

‎"Ghana possesses robust policies capable of driving national development," Ms. Ofodile stated. "However, there remains a major gap between the law on paper and the policy in practice."

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‎The most critical finding in the mission’s report centers on the devastating impact of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.

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‎The Working Group observed that:

‎Environmental Degradation: Large-scale destruction of fertile farmlands and vital water bodies.

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‎Displacement: Numerous rural areas have been left deserted as livelihoods vanish.

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‎Human Rights Risks: Farmers and fishing communities face increased vulnerability as their primary resources are contaminated or seized.

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‎A Call to Action: Defending the "Backbone"

‎Ms. Ofodile emphasized that the current "farm crisis" is not unique to Ghana but is echoing across the African continent.

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‎With young people increasingly viewing agriculture as unattractive, the mission warned of a looming threat to food sovereignty.

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‎To counter this, the UN experts are urging farmers and fisherfolk to assert their human rights, demanding full protection and respect from the state.

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‎The Path Forward

‎The mission concluded with a rallying cry for a multi-sectoral approach to agricultural reform.

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‎To change the narrative and position Ghana as a leader for farmers’ rights in Africa, the Working Group identified key stakeholders who must take immediate responsibility:

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‎Policy Makers: To close the implementation gap.

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‎Traditional & Religious Leaders: To protect community lands.

‎Journalists: To keep the spotlight on rural human rights violations.

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‎"Farmers are the backbone of any economy," Ms. Ofodile concluded. "All hands must be on deck to ensure they can produce food safely and sustainably."

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