Dr. Bright Boafo Boamah, a medical doctor and toxicologist, has sounded the alarm on the extent of environmental damage caused by illegal mining, or “galamsey,” in Ghana.
In an interview, he warned that it could take up to 15 years to restore the country’s water bodies contaminated by this destructive practice.
The toxic chemicals and heavy metals, such as mercury and cyanide, used in galamsey have severely polluted Ghana’s rivers and streams.
Dr. Boamah explained that these contaminants have deeply penetrated the water sources, making the restoration process both complex and time-consuming. Even with immediate action, the ecological recovery will require long-term monitoring and remediation efforts.
The contaminated water bodies pose significant health risks to both humans and wildlife. Dr. Boamah emphasized the urgent need for stricter enforcement of environmental laws and sustainable solutions to prevent further pollution.
He also highlighted the potential for antibiotic resistance due to heavy metal contamination, making it even more challenging to address the issue.
Dr. Boamah called on all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the general public, to take the fight against galamsey seriously. He warned that failure to act now could have devastating consequences for future generations.
