The National Service Authority (NSA) has received 100 pumping machines confiscated from illegal mining operations to support the government’s flagship FEED GHANA Initiative, a major intervention aimed at boosting food production and strengthening national food security.
The machines were officially handed over by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat during a brief ceremony attended by senior officials from both institutions.
Colonel Dominic Buah, Director of Operations at the Secretariat, presented the equipment to the Director-General of the NSA, Ms. Ruth Dela Seddoh.
The seized pumps, previously used in illegal mining activities commonly known as “galamsey,” are now set to be redeployed for agricultural production as the NSA expands its involvement in large-scale farming across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Seddoh disclosed that the Authority is preparing to cultivate 20,000 acres of maize and 10,000 acres of tomatoes under the FEED GHANA programme.
She noted that the pumps will play a critical role in irrigation and water supply for the farms, especially during dry conditions.
According to her, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to support government’s agenda of increasing local food production while reducing Ghana’s dependence on imported food commodities.
Beyond food production, the programme is also expected to create opportunities for thousands of young people undertaking national service.
Service personnel assigned to the agricultural sector will gain practical skills and experience while contributing to national development.
Officials say the repurposing of confiscated galamsey equipment demonstrates a new approach in the fight against illegal mining — one that converts tools previously linked to environmental destruction into resources for economic growth and sustainable development.
Photographs from the handover ceremony showed rows of pumping machines lined up for deployment, symbolizing what authorities describe as a transition from illegal extraction activities to productive agricultural use.
The FEED GHANA Initiative remains one of government’s key interventions aimed at improving food security, supporting agribusiness growth, and creating employment opportunities for the youth.
CREDIT: Mavis Fantevi
