The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr. Eric Opoku, has appealed to the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) to partner with the government in combating the rising menace of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Speaking through his Deputy, Mr. John Dumelo, at the 6th Development and Social Services consultation of the PCG held in Abokobi, the Minister emphasized that galamsey has become a national scourge with deep implications for food production and public health. He warned that contaminated food items entering markets—due to chemical pollution of soils and water sources—pose a severe risk to consumers.

“We appeal to the church to help us fight galamsey, which has become a national canker,” he said. “Galamsey is not far away from us, as some of the food items that come to the food market in Accra could be affected by deadly chemicals.”

He reaffirmed the government’s readiness to support stakeholders, promising that his ministry “is here to give all the support you need.” He called for a stronger partnership to ensure that both spiritual and physical well-being are preserved for the people.