The Ghana Institute of Horticulturists is conducting groundbreaking research to mitigate the effects of illegal mining, or “galamsey,” on agricultural soils. At the 24th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held at the Gardener Conference Hall, KNUST, on November 14, 2024, Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Professor Dadson Awunyo-Vito, detailed their innovative approach.
The team is utilizing hyperaccumulator plants—species capable of absorbing heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury from the soil. These plants aim to clean up galamsey-affected areas, reducing soil contamination to ensure crops grown there are safe for human consumption.
Professor Awunyo-Vito explained that these efforts not only enhance food safety but also restore agricultural lands for long-term use. Researchers are optimizing growth conditions for these plants and developing strategies to safely manage the metal-laden biomass, marking a significant step toward sustainable agriculture amidst the ongoing fight against illegal mining.