Ghana Distributes 900 Seized Galamsey Water Pumps to Farmers for Irrigation

Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture has handed over 900 water pumps confiscated from illegal mining operators to farmers across nine regions, including the Upper East and Volta.

The initiative, led by Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku under the government’s Feed Ghana program, is designed to expand irrigation systems and support year-round food production. Officials say the move will not only improve agricultural output but also redirect equipment once used for destructive activities toward productive and sustainable purposes.

The distribution comes as authorities intensify efforts against illegal small-scale mining, widely known as galamsey. The practice has severely damaged the environment, contaminating major rivers such as the Ankobra and threatening the country’s water security.

By converting seized assets into tools for farming, the government hopes to strike a balance between safeguarding natural resources and boosting food security, while sending a strong signal about its commitment to combatting environmental degradation.