The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has released a press statement to add their voices to the fight against illegal mining popularly known as Galamsey in Ghana.
“The press release captioned “Health and Economic Impact of Galamsey: A Call to Action” reads “The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists is deeply concerned about the devastating health impacts of illegal mining, known as Galamsey, on communities and the environment. Despite the severe health risks, we are dismayed by the lack of government interest in stopping these illegal activities, which threaten our existence and destroy essential resources like water bodies and farmlands.”
The statement highlighted the health and economic impact of Galamsey some of which include prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals like mercury and arsenic used in Galamsey that has been linked to severe health problems, including vision defects, skin defects, cardiovascular challenges, liver and kidney damage, respiratory diseases, cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders as well as death.
The economic implications are equally alarming, with increasing health budgets to address emerging health conditions, decreased productivity, pollution, and loss of family income. It is important to note that the government is struggling to meet the minimum 15 percent health budget allocation per the Abuja declaration. Inaction by the government will further negatively impact the health sector.
GAMLS further explained that pollution of water sources and the soil poses significant health risks to nearby communities that rely on these resources for drinking, farming, and domestic use citing The Ghana Water Company’s concerns about water loss and processing costs as “particularly worrying.”
The association, therefore, urged the government, stakeholders, and the public to take immediate action to address the health impacts of Galamsey. They recommended “an immediate suspension of small-scale mining activities for a broad stakeholder engagement on the Wayford.” They also called on civil society organizations, associations, and the General public to pressure the government to end the threat using all available legal and socially acceptable means.
They also charged the government to show leadership in protecting the lives of citizens and future generations.
According to the statement signed by the president of the organization Dr. Abu Abudu Rahamani, MLS, and the General Secretary Dr. Solomon D.Y. Kwashie, MLS, the association said it stands ready to support efforts to address the critical issue of illegal mining as well as to declare their solidarity with like-minded bodies and unions committed to exerting pressure on the government to address the devastating health impacts of Galamsey. They pledged to participate in industrial actions and other legal measures to ensure that our concerns are heard and addressed.
