Over 24,000 galamsey-induced cancer cases recorded annually in Ghana – Report
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A joint statement released by the Research Staff Association at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Research Scientists Association at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has said that the illegal mining menace (Galamsey) poses an existential threat to Ghana’s environment, public health, and economy.
The time for rhetoric has passed; urgent and sustained action is needed now, they said.
The statement indicated potentially toxic elements such as cadmium, arsenic, chromium and lead are associated with cancer and non-cancerous diseases.
“The activities of galamsey operations contribute to the environmental factors that lead to Ghana recording over 24,000 cancer cases annually. For example, arsenic may be associated with Buruli ulcer.
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“Further, communities near mining sites suffer from increased incidences of respiratory diseases, skin conditions, and other health issues due to exposure to hazardous chemicals,” they said.
“Further, communities near mining sites suffer from increased incidences of respiratory diseases, skin conditions, and other health issues due to exposure to hazardous chemicals,” they said.
They further stated that they are committed to working with the government and other stakeholders to formulate policies, reclaim and restore our lands, forests, and water resources, and help restructure the entire value chain of small-scale mining in the country.
“We therefore call on the government and other stakeholders to collaborate through funding of research activities to find lasting solutions to the unsustainable mining practices.”
They have demanded an immediate suspension of all illegal small-scale mining activities in Ghana until there is Support for Sustainable Mining Practices.
“We call on the government to immediately suspend all illegal small-scale mining activities in the country for a period not less than one
year during which the government invests in promoting sustainable, eco-friendly mining practices by providing technical and financial support to small-scale miners.
“This will help formalize the sector and reduce the reliance on destructive mining methods thereafter. Just
as the sea is closed for a month each year to allow for a bumper harvest when it reopens, this, in our considered view, would be tackling the galamsey menace with the urgency it requires. The current state of our water bodies demands vigorous action, as the consequences of illegal mining, if left unchecked, will be disastrous for the nation’s environmental and public health.”
Source: 3news.com
