Kidney disease has been alarming for many years in Ghana and continues to increase due to the contamination of water bodies.
This contamination is caused by illegal mining activities, also known as Galamsey.
Speaking on Akoma 87.9fm Healthy Child Fair on Friday, May 1,2026, the Ashanti Regional Chairperson of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, Dr Eugene Kwaku Martey, said “these mining operations have introduced heavy metals, mercury, and toxic chemicals into the water bodies, which are used for domestic consumption.”
He added that, “As a result, there has been an increase in kidney disease, cancer, and skin rashes among many Ghanaians. Even the natural color of Ghana’s rivers, streams, and lagoons has changed. The source of water in Ghana has decreased from 70% to 40% due to illegal operators. Fertile lands for agricultural purposes have been destroyed, leading to low productivity and food insecurity in communities around these zones.”
He expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of kidney and liver diseases in communities affected by illegal mining activities.
Dr Martey said the surge in renal and hepatic complications is directly linked to the high levels of mercury and other toxic metals contaminating water sources used by households in mining areas.
He said the situation poses a major public health threat and requires urgent government intervention.
“A number of patients are now being reported with increased issues related to their kidneys and livers, and it is becoming a menace to the entire population. That is why we, as the Paediatric Society of Ghana and others, calling for swift and decisive action from the government,” he said.
He added that the Society has long discussed the health implications of galamsey and believes it is time for authorities to move beyond dialogue and take concrete steps to curb the practice.
“We have examined several aspects of the health effects of galamsey. The decision now must be something decisive that the government can’t take,” Dr Martey stressed.
The 2026 edition of the Akoma FM Healthy child Fair lived up to expectations as thousands of excited children joined the event.
Children from all parts of Kumasi, Greater Kumasi and other parts of Ashanti Region took part in the event.
They were screened for various health conditions.
The Station Manager of Akoma FM, Ransford Nana Osei Asare, was impressed about the turn of event.
He said Healthy child Fair is one of the annual programmes we do.
“Wha’s been happening over the time is that we have kids and parents who are also busy with schedule and find it difficult to take their children for checkup.
And so, we thought that at any point in time, we should be able to congregate these children and provide some healthcare for them. We have been doing this with Paediatric Society of Ghana. It’s one of our big events in the region,” Mr Asare stated.
He said the essence is to provide healthcare especially for the vulnerable.
Our view is to get regular healthcare for them.
By Benjamin Aidoo
