The youth of Akyem Asuom have issued a stark warning about the future economic impact of ongoing land degradation caused by illegal mining activities, known locally as ‘galamsey’.

They predict that if the current rate of environmental destruction continues, the price of staple foods like cassava could skyrocket in the near future.

“If you project two years into the future, a tuber of cassava could sell for GH?50. We will ask why it is so expensive…it is because of the lands we are destroying,” stated an Akyem Asuom youth who gave his name as Ekuoba in an interview on the Point of View.

He added, “That is why, in two to three years, we want to avoid that hardship.”

He emphasised that the destruction of arable land due to galamsey activities in the community was directly impacting agricultural productivity as fertile lands are turned into barren, polluted areas, the ability to grow essential crops diminishes, leading to potential food shortages and increased prices.