Illegal mining, known as galamsey, is silently developing into a major public health crisis in Ghana. Dr. Emmanuel Oppong, Vice President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG), stated this on Tuesday, April 29.
Dr. Oppong warned that galamsey's impact could undermine Ghana's future. He called for the same urgency in addressing galamsey as was shown during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scale of pollution from illegal mining requires immediate national attention, he stressed.
This concern arises as environmental degradation from galamsey escalates into a broader health emergency. Reports from major health facilities, including Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals, show increasing cases of chronic kidney disease and liver complications. Younger patients are also showing higher dialysis dependence. This trend indicates a worsening public health situation across affected regions.
Dr. Oppong noted that toxic substances like mercury, arsenic, and lead contaminate water bodies. These harmful elements then enter the food chain, exposing pregnant women and children to severe health risks. Frontline health workers are observing alarming trends, including premature births and an increase in congenital abnormalities in newborns. For instance, he reported that six or seven out of every ten babies born with congenital abnormalities in affected areas come from galamsey-ridden communities. This anecdotal evidence is deeply concerning.
While Ghana-specific large-scale studies are few, global health bodies have documented the dangers. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF have highlighted the harmful effects of heavy metal exposure on foetal development and child health. Mercury exposure during pregnancy can cause brain damage, reduced IQ, and irreversible developmental disorders. Lead and arsenic contamination are linked to kidney disease, liver complications, reproductive issues, and neurological impairment.
Dr. Oppong urged authorities to adopt a coordinated national response. He called for a strategy similar to Ghana’s COVID-19 approach. This response should include real-time environmental monitoring, public education, and decisive policy action. He recalled the swift government response to COVID-19 with real-time surveillance and dashboards. He emphasized that galamsey is an equally grave threat to Ghana's existence and development.
The economic implications of galamsey are also significant. Contamination of water sources increases the cost of potable water treatment. Damage to agricultural lands reduces crop yields, affecting food security and farmer incomes. The long-term health burdens from galamsey will strain Ghana's healthcare system and national budget. These health costs will impact productivity and economic growth for decades.
Investors and international partners also watch Ghana's environmental policies closely. Failure to address galamsey can affect foreign direct investment and development aid. The Bank of Ghana has previously highlighted environmental risks as a factor in economic stability. Ignoring this crisis could have severe financial and social consequences.