While some persist in recklessly degrading Ghana’s forests, Abuakwa South MP Dr. Kingsley Agyemang is setting a markedly different example this parliamentary recess by trading the comforts of political office for the grit of farm work.
Hailing from a constituency with deep agricultural roots, Dr. Agyemang owns large farms of his own. But this recess, he has gone beyond tending to his personal fields, working directly on the farms of constituents to promote food production and send a powerful message to the youth.
“I am an MP who has spoken heavily against the galamsey menace, especially in my constituency. I bet that the youth are in the practice because most of them do not have alternative sources of income. So I want to use farming as a strong tool for advocacy for them to realize that farming is a more sustainable source of livelihood than galamsey.”
For years, illegal mining has scarred Abuakwa South, leaving vast pits and contaminating water sources. Dr. Agyemang believes that showing, not just telling, is the way to change mindsets.
“Instead of simply telling the youth to abandon galamsey, I believe that being on the farm constantly as an MP will gradually make them see the essence in my advocacy against the menace.”
The MP says he works on his farm most weekends, but this recess has been different.
“Even though I am mostly on the farm working every weekend when my schedules permit, I have dedicated this recess period to work more on farms of constituents across the constituency to signify my strong commitment to farming as a sustainable source of income.”
He argues that government should repackage farming to make it attractive for the youth, positioning it as a viable alternative to illegal mining.
“If the youths in our communities see we the leadership, MPs and Ministers on the farms always, that will send a strong message that farming is not the reserve for dropouts or villagers but rather a strong source of employment.”
Dr. Agyemang also renewed his call for a fresh national offensive against illegal mining, especially in the wake of the tragic deaths of eight Ghanaians en route to launch a sustainable mining initiative.
” The painful deaths of the 8 should give us a new awakening to end galamsey immediately which ever form it will take!”
By rolling up his sleeves in the fields, the MP is making his stance clear: environmental preservation, sustainable livelihoods, and food security are worth more than the fleeting riches of galamsey.
