The Breast Society of Ghana has called for an immediate halt to illegal mining, also known as galamsey, due to its severe public health risks.
The society cautioned that chemicals used in these mining operations are jeopardising lives, with health professionals reporting a rise in birth defects and cancer cases linked to unregulated practices.
During a media interview following the launch of Pinktober 2024, a breast cancer awareness campaign, the President of the Breast Society of Ghana, Dr Hannah Ayettey Anie, stressed the urgent need to end galamsey to safeguard public health.
“These chemicals from illegal mining are highly dangerous to the body. From previous radiation disasters, we’ve seen they often result in birth defects, and we can’t yet predict the full extent of what this contamination will lead to.
“Galamsey is undeniably harmful. We urge all involved to stop immediately, as it impacts individuals and threatens the well-being of entire communities.”
Source: Adomonline
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