The President of the 18th Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of the University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies (UCAES), Hon. Prince Amoako Atta, has raised concerns over the devastating impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, on Ghana’s agricultural sector, warning that the menace is discouraging young people from pursuing careers in farming.
He said the destruction of farmlands, degradation of forest reserves and pollution of water bodies through illegal mining activities were undermining the country’s agricultural potential and threatening efforts to attract the younger generation into the sector.
According to him, the increasing environmental destruction associated with galamsey, coupled with the declining interest of young people in agriculture, poses a serious threat to Ghana’s food security, economic growth and sustainable development.
Hon. Amoako Atta therefore called on the government, traditional authorities, policymakers and other stakeholders to make agriculture a national priority while intensifying measures to protect the environment from illegal mining and other destructive human activities.
He maintained that Ghana could not achieve sustainable development if the country continued to neglect agriculture and allow its natural resources, particularly fertile lands, forests and water bodies, to be destroyed.
YOUTH INTEREST
The UCAES SRC President observed that although agriculture remains a major source of livelihood for a significant proportion of Ghana’s population, interest and participation in the sector, particularly among young people, have declined over the years.
He noted that the perception of farming as a difficult, unattractive and less rewarding occupation had contributed to the reluctance of many young people to venture into agriculture.
He argued that the situation had been worsened by illegal mining activities, which were destroying productive agricultural lands and making farming increasingly unattractive in some communities.
He called for deliberate national interventions to change the perception of agriculture and position it as a profitable and respectable career option for the youth.
Hon. Amoako Atta stressed that agriculture had moved beyond the traditional methods of using cutlasses and hoes, explaining that technological advancements had transformed the sector into a modern business venture with enormous opportunities.
He identified agribusiness, biotechnology, mechanised farming and technology-driven agricultural practices as emerging areas capable of attracting young entrepreneurs and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
He urged young people to take advantage of these opportunities and view agriculture not merely as subsistence farming but as a viable avenue for wealth creation and national economic transformation.
CALL FOR INVESTMENT
Drawing comparisons with California in the United States, Hon. Amoako Atta highlighted how deliberate investment, innovation and commitment to agriculture could transform the sector into a major contributor to economic growth.
He urged Ghana to adopt similar approaches by investing in modern agricultural infrastructure, research, technology and other interventions that would make farming more productive and commercially attractive.
He maintained that prioritising agriculture would help address food insecurity, create employment, improve livelihoods and strengthen the country’s capacity to produce enough food for its growing population.
He further called for stronger collaboration between the government, private sector, educational institutions and agricultural stakeholders to develop policies that would encourage young people to enter the sector.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
On environmental protection, the SRC President warned that the continuous destruction of forests and pollution of water bodies posed serious dangers to human survival and the country’s long-term development.
He observed that forests and water resources remained essential to agricultural production, access to clean drinking water and the preservation of the ecosystem.
He cautioned that allowing illegal mining operators to continue degrading the environment would have far-reaching consequences for present and future generations.
According to him, environmental protection must be treated as a national responsibility rather than an issue that concerns only environmentalists and regulatory institutions.
He therefore called for stronger enforcement of environmental laws and greater commitment from all stakeholders to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources.
He stressed that protecting the environment and promoting agriculture must go hand in hand, insisting that the country could not achieve food security while its fertile lands and water resources were being destroyed.
SUPPORT FOR PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
Hon. Amoako Atta also appealed to the government to extend greater support to private institutions offering specialised education in agriculture and environmental studies.
He argued that such institutions played a critical role in training the next generation of agricultural professionals, researchers and environmental experts needed to advance the country’s development agenda.
He expressed concern that private educational institutions in specialised fields sometimes faced challenges despite their contributions to national development.
He pointed out that their private status should not make them ineligible for government support, particularly when they paid taxes and contributed to the development of human capital.
He urged the government to recognise the important role of institutions such as UCAES and create the necessary conditions for them to expand their programmes, improve infrastructure and strengthen practical agricultural education.
He maintained that supporting agricultural institutions was an investment in Ghana’s future, particularly at a time when the country needed skilled professionals to modernise farming and address environmental challenges.
NATIONAL PRIORITY
The UCAES SRC President reiterated that agriculture must occupy a central position in Ghana’s national development agenda, warning that continued neglect of the sector could undermine the country’s economic and environmental future.
He said a renewed commitment to agriculture would not only improve food production but also promote peace, create employment, protect the ecosystem and provide sustainable opportunities for young people.
He called on the government, traditional leaders, educational institutions and the private sector to work together towards building a resilient agricultural economy.
Hon. Amoako Atta maintained that Ghana’s future depended largely on how effectively the country managed its natural resources and empowered the next generation to embrace agriculture.
He stressed that protecting the environment while making farming attractive to young people remained critical to securing food security, sustainable livelihoods and national development.
