{
  "id": 276287,
  "title": "Galamsey is eroding Ghana’s food security as farmers lose lands — GEM warns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/galamsey-is-eroding-ghanas-food-security-as-farmers-lose-lands-gem",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-07T16:49:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/galamsey-is-eroding-ghanas-food-security-as-farmers-lose-lands-gem-warns/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Illegal mining in Ghana is threatening the country's food security by eroding the agricultural lands on which farming communities once thrived, according to the Ghana Youth Environmental Movement (GEM). The environmental advocacy group warns that the loss of farmland, particularly in regions like Asiakwa in the Eastern Region, could lead to long-term food shortages. Glorious Emmanuella Appiah, GEM's national coordinator, explained that the expansion of illegal mining operations has disrupted local food production, forcing some residents to purchase crops from markets instead of growing them themselves. Ms Appiah noted that young people are selling their farmlands to join the lucrative but illegal galamsey business, contributing to the weakening of the agricultural base in affected communities. This shift has also led to increased food prices, as traders exploit the financial resources of illegal miners. GEM argues that the impact of galamsey extends beyond environmental degradation, affecting livelihoods, local economies, and the communities' ability to sustain themselves. To address this issue, GEM advocates for alternative livelihood opportunities such as mushroom farming, snail farming, beekeeping, and regenerative agriculture, which require minimal investment and can provide income while reducing pressure on natural resources. Ms Appiah emphasized that tackling illegal mining requires offering viable economic alternatives to young people, rather than relying solely on awareness campaigns. She called for increased investment in livelihood support programs to help communities abandon illegal mining and safeguard Ghana's environment and agricultural systems, which are crucial for national food security.",
  "summary": "Illegal mining activities are gradually undermining the agricultural foundation of farming communities in Ghana, with the Ghana Youth Environmental Movement (GEM) warning that the loss of farmlands could threaten long-term food security. The environmental advocacy group says communities such as Asiakwa in the Eastern Region, which have traditionally depended on farming for crops including cassava…",
  "key_points": [
    "Illegal mining in Ghana threatens food security by eroding agricultural lands.",
    "Expansion of galamsey disrupts local food production, forcing residents to buy crops.",
    "GEM advocates alternative livelihoods like mushroom farming to combat illegal mining."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Illegal mining is threatening Ghana’s food security, not just environment — Ghanaian Farmer CEO",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/illegal-mining-is-threatening-ghanas-food-security-not-just",
        "published": "2026-08-07T14:50:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}