|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Dr. Bright Boafo Boamah, a medical doctor and toxicologist, has cautioned that the restoration of Ghana’s water bodies polluted by illegal mining, or galamsey, may take up to 10 to 15 years.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile program on October 12, Dr. Boamah highlighted the extensive environmental and health impacts of the toxic chemicals and heavy metals, such as mercury and cyanide, used in illegal mining activities.
Also read: TUTAG declares strike over galamsey, criticizing Organised Labour’s decision to withdraw.
Dr. Boamah explained that the contamination of rivers and streams by these harmful substances poses severe challenges to the ecological recovery process, even with immediate intervention. He emphasized that long-term strategies, including continuous monitoring and remediation, will be necessary to rehabilitate these water bodies.
In addition to environmental damage, Dr. Boamah pointed out that the polluted water poses serious health risks to both humans and wildlife due to toxic exposure. He also warned that the heavy metals in the water contribute to antimicrobial resistance, complicating medical treatment by reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics. This resistance, he said, is aggravated by improper antibiotic use and prescriptions.
Dr. Boamah called for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and urged the government to adopt sustainable measures to prevent further damage to Ghana’s natural resources. He stressed the importance of immediate action to restore the water bodies, warning that some may already be beyond restoration if no steps are taken soon.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Boamah appealed to all stakeholders, including civil society and the general public, to actively support efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the environment for future generations.
