Galamsey: Poverty Forces Ghanaians to Choose Survival Over Health – Public Health Specialist
Dr. Hephzibah Okyere Mensah, a Public Health Physician Specialist and the Head of the Occupational and Preventive Sub-unit at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), has identified poverty as a driving force behind illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Dr. Mensah stressed that while Ghanaian law permits small-scale mining, it is intended to be the reserve of Ghanaians.
However, the bureaucratic hurdles involved in obtaining a mining license push many into illegal operations.
“The tedious nature of getting a license drives people into illegal mining. The motivation is poverty; they have no money or jobs and depend on mining for survival.”
Speaking on Opemsuo Radio’s Nkwantannanso with Kofi Boakye on September 16, she discussed the severe health implications of galamsey and its toll on Ghanaians.
According to her, miners are not only exposed to harmful chemicals like mercury but also contribute to environmental contamination.
“It uses a lot of water, especially during processing, because before extracting the gold ore, a large amount of water is required. They add mercury to the water and use it to wash the gold. After that, the mercury is left in the water. In large-scale mining, the processing water is sent to a treatment plant for purification.”
This contamination has led to a rise in kidney diseases and other health issues such as respiratory conditions and cancer among miners themselves.
Dr. Mensah expressed concern over the healthcare system’s ability to manage the increasing cases of mercury-related complications. She warned that as the situation worsens, kidney transplants may soon become the only solution for many affected patients.
It will be recalled that on September 13, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for the second time in his administration set up a five-member ad hoc committee to look into the heightened illegal mining activities in the country.
Story by Precious Jenelle F. Ankobia
