Dr Charles Sagoe-Moses, a Former World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in Tanzania and Namibia, who is also a science, technology and health expert, has made the point that Ghana is facing a public health disaster driven by illegal mining, and it is entirely preventable.
He says the illicit mining is causing severe health conditions.
Speaking at a virtual environmental conference on the theme Navigating the Challenges of Illegal Mining in Ghana: Impact on Individuals, Communities, Health and Policy, organised by IGER Africa on Friday, December 5.at the Frimping Manso Institute of Ghana, said “We have scientific evidence to show that mercury used in gold processing contaminates air, soil and water. WHO reveals that artisanal gold mining has mercury levels up to 50 times higher than the safe threshold. In some Ghanaian mining areas, studies have found that mercury contamination in water bodies is 20 to 30 times above the WHO threshold.
“What does this mean for human beings? Memory loss, tremors and kidney failure bring severe fatigue and muscle weakness, causing developmental delays in children and permanent neurological damage.
“Repeated exposure to metals, especially mercury and arsenic, causes chronic kidney diseases, which leads to kidney failure in young adults as well as hypertension. What about the effects on pregnant women and children? This is where the tragedy becomes generational.
“Mercury crosses the placenta during pregnancy, it also contaminates breast milk, and as a result, babies are born with reduced brain development, they stand the risk of cerebral palsy, children develop learning difficulties, and they perform poorly in schools.”
Former President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Rev Professor Paul Frimpong Manso said that the government alone cannot fight illegal mining.
“Government alone cannot solve the galamsey crisis; communities must rise up as ethical citizens and responsible citizens of their environment. Parents and guardians have a crucial role. What values are we teaching our children? Are we raising them to believe that success is measured only by money and material possessions?
“Are we teaching them that true success includes integrity and respect for God’s creation? If a child grows up hearing parents praise those who make it through dubious means. We should not be surprised that the child will follow the same path,” he said.
