The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has raised serious concerns about the escalating health risks posed by illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’
In a statement, the Association criticized the government for its lack of action in tackling the issue, pointing out the severe health dangers associated with long-term exposure to toxic substances such as mercury and arsenic.
These risks, they noted, include vision and skin defects, cardiovascular problems, liver and kidney damage, respiratory diseases, cancer, birth defects, neurological disorders, and even death.
The economic consequences are just as troubling, with rising healthcare costs, reduced productivity, environmental pollution, and loss of household income.
GAMLS stressed that the government’s failure to act will further burden the health sector, which is already struggling to meet the Abuja Declaration’s target of a 15% budget allocation for healthcare.
The Association also highlighted the contamination of water and soil, which poses a serious threat to communities that depend on these resources for drinking, farming, and daily activities.
GAMLS urged stakeholders, particularly the government, to enforce a ban on small-scale mining to mitigate the health impacts of galamsey.
Find below the statement
Source: Adomonline
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