The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has raised concerns about the serious threat illegal mining poses to the country’s agricultural exports.
The Association warns that if the issue of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, is not urgently tackled, Ghana could face significant hurdles in exporting its agricultural products, especially to markets in Europe.
This warning comes in light of reports showing that staple Ghanaian exports, including cocoa, yams, and vegetables, have been found to contain harmful heavy metals.
These metals, such as mercury, are often introduced into soil and water through toxic chemicals used in illegal mining.
As these contaminants seep into water bodies and farmland, they affect crops grown in those areas, making them unsafe for consumption in regions with strict food safety standards, such as the European Union.
Speaking to Citi News, President of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson Asaaki Awingobit, stressed the seriousness of the situation.
He highlighted that the EU enforces stringent food safety regulations, and any sign of contamination could result in a ban on Ghanaian agricultural exports.
Such a ban, he warned, would have severe economic repercussions for Ghana, as the EU is one of the nation’s largest trading partners.
Source: Adomonline
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