A group consisting of doctors, nurses, environmental health officers, and other allied health workers has asked President Akufo-Addo to impose a direct and immediate ban on all forms of small-scale mining.
This was contained in a joint statement issued by the groups.
They raised concerns about the health implications associated with mining activities, particularly illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The group comprises 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 Anaesthetists (GACRA), the Health Accounting Staff Association (HASAG), and the Ghana Physician Assistants Association (GPAA).
The health professionals cited the alarming rise in respiratory and waterborne diseases in mining communities.
The statement indicated that toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, often used in mining, are leaching into water bodies, endangering both humans and wildlife.
“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,” the September 6 statement read.
“We are witnessing an ecological disaster with direct implications for human health, and this must be addressed with urgency.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana