A coalition of health professional unions has urged the President of Ghana, Akufo-Addo, to immediately and completely ban any and all forms of small-scale mining without discrimination.
This appeal is in response to the recent mounting concerns regarding the negative effects on health that are related with mining activities, in particular the illicit mining practice known as “galamsey.”
A coalition of medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, environmental health officers, and other allied health workers, stated on Friday, September 7, 20224. The statement highlights a concerning increase in the number of respiratory and waterborne infections occurring inside mining towns.
They are warning that current mining activities if they are not regulated, represent a substantial threat to the health and well-being of Ghanaians, particularly those who live in rural areas.
Specifically, they highlight the fact that hazardous substances like mercury and cyanide, which are frequently utilized in mining operations, are poisoning water bodies, putting both people and animals in danger.
The coalition which includes 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 the Ghana Physician Assistants Association (GPAA), called on President Akufo-Addo to implement a total ban on mining activities, like the temporary ban on illegal mining imposed in 2017.
Ban small-scale mining
“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 government must take a firm stance on this issue, prioritize the health of its citizens, and protect the environment for future generations. A direct ban on mining activities is necessary to halt the irreversible damage being done,” they stated.
The past initiatives carried out by the government
Despite the fact that the government has taken some steps, such as establishing the Inter-Ministerial Committee on illicit Mining (IMCIM), the health workers claim that these efforts have not been adequate to put an end to the illicit operations that continue to cause destruction to communities.
Despite the fact that the administration of President Akufo-Addo has previously stated that it is committed to resolving the issue of illicit mining and restoring Ghana’s water bodies, the health professionals are of the opinion that more immediate action is required in order to protect the public’s health.
