By Doreen Ampofo
This year’s World Food Day has been launched with a call for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to tackling illegal mining, also known as galamsey. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the continued destruction of farmlands and natural resources poses a grave threat to Ghana’s food security.
The call was made by the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa of the FAO, Dr Abebe Haile-Gabriel, during the media launch of World Food Day, which will be marked on 16 October 2025. This year’s celebration, themed “Hand in Hand, for Better Food and a Better Future,” coincides with the 80th anniversary of the FAO.
Established by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945, World Food Day, celebrated annually on 16 October, is a global observance that raises awareness about hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity while promoting collective action to build sustainable food systems for a better future.
This year’s theme calls for collaboration between government, civil society organisations, and relevant stakeholders to ensure food security and safety, even in the face of the devastation caused by illegal mining. The menace has degraded arable lands, polluted water sources with heavy metals, and displaced farmers — leading to lower food production, higher prices, and increased reliance on food imports.
Dr Haile-Gabriel commended the government for its leadership and commitment to food security, economic transformation, and social stability through the Feed Ghana programme. However, he expressed concern over the destruction of farmlands by galamsey, calling for collective action to reverse the damage.
“The fact that it has been lingering for quite some time in Ghana, despite efforts from the government, is a source of concern. But it’s not irreversible,” he said. “The water bodies can be treated and cured if appropriate measures are taken. The degraded land can be restored, and alternative livelihoods for young people and communities can be revitalised.”
Dr Haile-Gabriel emphasised that addressing illegal mining requires a comprehensive strategy, as it affects multiple sectors beyond agriculture.
“It touches on natural resource management, food security, forestry, water, public health, and economic activities such as trade in gold. It requires a long-term, coordinated response that places affected communities at the forefront,” he added.
Marking the organisation’s 80th anniversary, Dr Haile-Gabriel noted, “It is a moment to renew our promise to transform agricultural systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life — leaving no one behind.”
He said activities marking the celebration include the 5th edition of the World Food Forum, which will convene global stakeholders in Rome to discuss innovations in the sector. The forum will also feature a landmark exhibition, “From Seeds to Foods,” showcasing the diversity of crops, livestock, fisheries, and technologies that transform nature’s bounty into nutritious food.
Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, said the government remains committed to promoting responsible mining to protect the environment. He stressed the importance of efficiency over land size in boosting productivity, stating, “We are not focused on the quantity or size of land, but on efficiency. Some countries with less land produce more than we do. It’s about how well we utilise our resources.”
The Deputy Minister commended the FAO for championing agriculture in Ghana and pledged the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the organisation in commemorating this year’s World Food Day.
“We are fully behind it, and we fully support it. As you all know, the theme is ‘Hand in Hand, for Better Food and a Better Future.’ I am calling on all Ghanaians, diplomats, and development partners to join us in making this a successful celebration,” he stated.
