The Breast Society of Ghana has issued a pressing call to individuals engaged in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, to cease their activities immediately.
This urgent appeal stems from the devastating impact of galamsey on public health, particularly the hazardous chemicals used in these unregulated operations.
Health experts have sounded the alarm on the alarming rise in birth defects among newborns and cancer cases directly linked to galamsey.
Dr. Hannah Ayettey Anie, President of the Breast Society of Ghana, emphasized the gravity of the situation during a media interview following the launch of Pinktober 2024.
Pinktober 2024 is a breast cancer awareness campaign aimed at educating the public and promoting early detection.
Dr. Ayettey Anie stressed that the chemicals employed in galamsey pose significant risks to human health.
“These chemicals are injurious to the body,” she warned, drawing parallels with radiation disasters that have led to malformed children.
The long-term consequences of galamsey on public health remain uncertain, but experts agree that immediate action is necessary.
Dr. Ayettey Anie urged those involved in galamsey to consider the broader implications of their actions. “The effects of galamsey will not only harm you but also your neighbors and society as a whole,” she cautioned.
