Increased liver, heart, and kidney disorders are associated with galamsey, according to GAMSL data.

The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has voiced their great worry about the terrible health effects of illegal mining, known as Galamsey, on communities and the environment.

According to the group, despite the serious health dangers, they are disappointed by the government’s lack of interest in putting an end to these illegal actions, which endanger our existence and devastate vital resources such as water bodies and farmlands.

Speaking on Ashh Fm’s National Agenda, Wednesday 11th September, 2024, Dr. Solomon Kwashie, General Secretary of the GAMLS, disclosed that, prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals like mercury and arsenic used in Galamsey 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.

Dr. Kwashie went on to say that the economic consequences are as concerning, with rising health-care costs to address developing health issues, lower productivity, pollution, and loss of family income.

He informed Oderfour Qwasi Kay that the surrounding communities, who depend on these resources for household, agricultural, and drinking purposes, face serious health concerns as a result of soil and water pollution.

In order to address the health effects of Galamsey, Dr. Solomon Kwashie calls on the public, stakeholders, and government to act right away.

In order to facilitate extensive stakeholder input on the Wayford, he stated that the association urges an immediate suspension of small-scale mining activity.

“We also urge the public, associations, and civil society organizations to put pressure on the government to eliminate the threat by any and all lawful and socially acceptable means.”

Furthermore, in order to safeguard individuals’ lives as well as the lives of future generations, the government needs to take the lead.

In order to guarantee that their concerns are acknowledged and taken seriously, he emphasized that GAMLS is willing to assist in any attempts to address this pressing problem as well as to support and take part in any industrial actions or other legal activities.