The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has cautioned that the country risks being shut out of international markets if illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is not urgently addressed.

The warning follows a recent alert from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), which traced heavy metal contamination in some food and cosmetic products in Ghana to illegal mining activities.

Speaking to the media in Accra on Monday, September 29, 2025, the Association’s Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, warned that Ghana’s export trade could face dire consequences if the issue is not resolved.

“You think the Europeans are not monitoring? They can easily decide to reject foodstuffs from Ghana because of high mercury levels. Our negligence could cost the entire nation,” he cautioned.

Mr. Awingobit noted that aside from the environmental and health hazards, galamsey presents a serious economic risk. “We need to take this issue very seriously. Increasing exports is crucial to bringing revenue back into the country,” he added.

Meanwhile, the government has stepped up its anti-galamsey fight. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS) Task Force was deployed in Sunyani with strict instructions from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to deal “ruthlessly” with anyone engaged in illegal mining.