Ghanaians and those abroad purchasing from African shops may unknowingly consume food contaminated with dangerous chemical residues from illegal mining (galamsey), while, foreign buyers of the same produce are enforcing stringent measures to protect their consumers.
Regions heavily impacted by illegal mining activities, such as the Western, Central, Eastern and Ashanti regions, are also key agricultural hubs. Tests have revealed that crops from these areas are tainted with heavy metals and toxic residues linked to galamsey operations. Unfortunately, while foreign markets are raising the bar on food safety, Ghanaians lack adequate protection.
Export farmers in Ghana report that European buyers now demand as many as seven to eight certifications—up from two previously—before they purchase produce. These buyers also conduct surprise farm inspections and random testing of produce in storage facilities. These strict protocols ensure their consumers receive safe, high-quality food. In contrast, Ghana’s domestic market is largely unregulated, leaving local consumers exposed to the risk of consuming harmful chemicals.
African shops abroad, largely serving African diaspora communities, are also failing to conduct such rigorous safety checks, meaning many in the diaspora are consuming unsafe food as well.
Ghana was once renowned for its organic and high-quality produce, but that reputation is crumbling. With the rise of illegal mining, certification processes for exports have become more costly and complicated, deterring farmers and threatening Ghana’s standing in international markets.
While foreign nations are acting decisively to protect their citizens by enforcing quality standards, Ghana has yet to take firm action to stop the galamsey menace and safeguard its own people. If this continues, there are fears that Ghanaians may soon be forced to rely on imported food and water—even when the products are sourced from their own soil but vetted abroad for safety.
