Health professionals nationwide have called on President Akufo-Addo to take swift action and enforce a ban on all small-scale mining operations in the country.
This follows concerns about the severe health risks linked to rampant illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’
The health experts stress that the unchecked mining practices pose significant threats to the well-being of communities, necessitating an immediate and direct ban.
By taking decisive action, they said the government can help mitigate the harmful health effects and protect the health and safety of citizens in the areas where lands are plowed indiscriminately for gold.
Parts of a joint statement by the group of professionals stated ,”The rise in cases of respiratory illnesses, skin infections, and waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea in these communities is a direct consequence of the unchecked mining activities.
“We are witnessing an ecological disaster with direct implications for human health, and this must be addressed with urgency,” the group warned.
The group comprises the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA), the Health Services Workers Union of Ghana – TUC, the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU), the Mortuary Workers’ Association of Ghana (MOWAG), the Ghana Association of Certified Registered Anesthetists (GACRA), the Health Accounting Staff Association (HASAG), and Ghana Physician Assistants Association (GPAA).
Source: Myxyzonline.com
