By Wisdom JONNY-NUEKPE
The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has expressed solidarity with government in its fight against galamsey, describing the menace as an enemy to agricultural success in the country.
The organisation indicates its desire to continuously provide technical assistance and implement specific projects, including supporting the recovery of areas affected by illegal mining and empowering farmers in the fonio-farming sector.
Speaking to B&FT at the launch of World Food Day 2025 and FAO’s 80th anniversay celebrations in Accra, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa-FAO, Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, said government’s renewed fight against illegal mining is a welcome one but must be backed with land recovery policies in affected areas – particularly in agriculture zones.
The FAO, Dr. Abebe said, will continue contributing to Ghana’s development through programmes and policies aimed at sustainable food production, strengthening rural livelihoods and improving climate resilience initiatives.
These policies, he explained, include policy support for agriculture, fisheries and natural resources, with focus on innovation in agri-tech, food safety and nutrition among others.
Launch of 2025 World Food Day and FAO @80
World Food Day, according to Dr. Abebe, is always a moment for reflection, commitment and action on the FAO’s achievements.
He said this year’s celebration is unique as it culminates in the 80th anniversary of FAO – which for eight decades has been devoted to a singular vision: a world free from hunger, malnutrition and poverty.
Dr. Abebe noted that the FAO at 80 is a vital lookback at the journey to achieve agri-food systems transformation and a moment to renew the promise of transforming agriculture for better production, nutrition and environment – not only in Ghana but also across the globe.
Under the theme ‘Hand in hand for better foods and better future’, this year’s anniversary calls on agriculture stakeholders to recognise the efforts, knowledge and partnerships that bring food from farms to plates.
Commendation for ‘Feed Ghana Programme’
The FAO, Dr. Abebe said, commends government for the bold initiative to launch the ‘Feed Ghana Programme’ – an initiative the Organisation expects to revolutionise food production in the country.
“Here in Ghana, we appreciate and support the bold forward-thinking leadership of government in launching the ‘Feed Ghana Programme’; an initiative aimed at creating jobs, reducing the country’s substantial food import bill and modernising agriculture through strategic investment in mechanisation, smart-farming and value chain improvements,” he noted.
These initiatives, according to the FAO, reflect strong national commitment to food security, economic transformation and social stability.
“This is exactly the kind of initiative that the FAO is structured to support,” Dr Abebe noted.
Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture John Dumelo commended the FAO in Ghana for significantly contributing to agricultural growth over the years.
He said a key focus of government is the drive to do all-year-round farming, a move that he said needs significant investment in irrigation.
2025 World Food Day
The occasion will be observed on October 16th this year, aimed at raising awareness about global hunger and promoting action that leads to a sustainable future for food, people and the planet. The 2025 celebration holds special significance as it marks the FAO’s 80th anniversary.
The Day will highlight an urgent need for global collaboration to ensure food security and end hunger.
The post FAO backs fight against galamsey appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.
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