She warned that the continued destruction of fertile farmlands through illegal mining could undermine Ghana’s ability to feed its growing population and weaken the livelihoods of farming communities. “First and foremost, we must protect our agricultural land with the same sense of urgency we protect our mineral resources,” she said. Ms Manye called for stronger enforcement of existing laws against illegal mining, insisting that accountability must apply to everyone involved. “Laws against illegal mining must be enforced consistently, regardless of who is involved,” she stressed. She criticised what she described as a situation where only low-level miners are arrested while individuals who finance and organise illegal mining activities escape scrutiny.