ACCRA, Ghana – Civil Society Activist, Dr. Steve Manteaw, says Ghana’s lack of proper land use planning is fueling the takeover of farmlands by mining activities and threatening national food security.
Speaking at the launch of the 2023 Ghana Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative [GHEITI] report in Accra, Dr. Manteaw blamed weak policy enforcement for the destruction of agricultural land.
“It is Largely a Failure of Policy”
According to Dr. Manteaw, Ghana currently has no enforceable land use plans, so any area where minerals are discovered is immediately opened up for mining.
“I dare say that it is largely a failure of policy so that’s why we are where we are. If you decide to turn all your available land into a mining ground, definitely you won’t have land for tomatoes; your water will be polluted so even if you get tomatoes, it won’t be wholesome. That is the problem,” he stated.
He noted that the country has an institution mandated to ensure all districts have land use plans demarcating areas for industry, mining, residence and farming.
“We do have an institution in this country that was mandated to ensure all the districts have a land use plan… In terms of compliance, it doesn’t work, so we don’t have any dedicated land for agriculture,” he said.
Dr. Manteaw stressed that mining and agriculture can coexist, but only if farming lands are designated as “no-go areas” for mining.
80 Acres of Cocoa and Food Crops Destroyed in Eastern Region
His comments come amid fresh concerns from farmers in SE, near Ekoso in the Atiwa West District of the Eastern Region.
The community is demanding urgent government action after an alleged illegal miner, Williams Addo, destroyed over 80 acres of cocoa and food crops.
Residents say the activity has also polluted water bodies, threatening livelihoods and food security in the area.
According to the farmers, Williams Addo was arrested on July 25, 2026. However, they allege the Atiwa West District Police Commander has directed affected farmers to produce land documents before prosecution can proceed.
“This is unacceptable,” said Nene Kwabra Tsu, an opinion leader in the community.
“The police should focus on prosecuting the illegal miner, not shifting the burden to the victims.”
Call for Stronger Land Use Enforcement
Dr. Manteaw urged government to enforce land use planning laws to protect farmlands and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.
Stakeholders say without urgent reforms, the encroachment of mining on agricultural land will continue to undermine Ghana’s food security and rural livelihoods.
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