The Paediatric Society of Ghana has issued a stark warning, indicating that the nation faces a potential crisis in water importation if illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey, are not swiftly brought to a halt.
During a recent interview on Channel One TV’s Point of View, Dr. Hilda Manteebea Boye, President of the Society, emphasized the severe consequences of galamsey on the health and water resources of Ghana.
Dr. Boye raised alarms regarding the repercussions of failing to act, highlighting the troubling increase in kidney diseases and failures in children linked to pollution stemming from galamsey operations.
She highlighted the serious risks that the destruction of water bodies and food contamination present to the health and well-being of children and communities in Ghana.
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The Paediatric Society is urging stakeholders, especially politicians, to collaborate and take swift action against the galamsey crisis.
Dr. Boye emphasized the critical importance of addressing the situation, cautioning that Ghana could face the necessity of importing water if action is not taken swiftly.
Recent observations indicate a rise in developmental issues among children, alongside a concerning increase in kidney diseases and failures linked to pollution. Concerns are rising over the safety of food supplies, as reports indicate significant damage to water bodies and alarming incidents of children falling into hazardous pits.
“We want the small-scale mining to be stopped. We want the political parties, all of them to commit to stopping this menace now because we are just afraid that in no time we may have to import water into the country.
“We are all sitting in Accra, and we are eating contaminated foods probably because food is coming all over the country and many of these areas are highly polluted.”
