The Breast Society of Ghana has issued a strong appeal to those engaged in illegal mining, locally referred to as galamsey, urging them to immediately cease the practice due to its severe impact on public health.
The society raised concerns about the chemicals used in these unregulated mining operations, which are causing significant harm to individuals and communities across the country. Health experts have noted an alarming increase in birth deformities and cancer cases linked to exposure to toxic substances commonly used in illegal mining.
The president of the Breast Society of Ghana, Dr. Hannah Ayettey Anie, made these remarks during a media interview following the launch of Pinktober 2024, a national breast cancer awareness campaign aimed at educating the public about cancer prevention. Dr. Anie used the platform to stress the urgent need to halt galamsey operations, highlighting the long-term dangers that the chemicals pose to public health.
“These chemicals [used in illegal mining] are injurious to the body. And as for what we will end up finding out, even for cases where we have had radiation disasters and all, we have realised that eventually it led to malformed children and all. So we don’t know what this will lead to in the long run,” she said.
Illegal mining operations typically involve the use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which are employed to extract gold and other valuable minerals from the earth. These substances, when not properly managed, can seep into water bodies and contaminate the environment, leading to widespread health issues. Dr. Anie’s warning echoes growing concerns from environmental and health experts who have long called for stricter regulations and enforcement to combat the harmful effects of illegal mining.
In recent years, Ghana has witnessed a surge in health complications directly linked to galamsey activities, particularly in regions where mining is prevalent. Medical professionals have reported increased cases of cancer, including breast cancer, as well as congenital deformities in newborns. These conditions are believed to be caused by prolonged exposure to the toxic chemicals used in illegal mining, which contaminate drinking water and agricultural land, thereby affecting the health of entire communities.
Dr. Anie emphasized that the harmful effects of galamsey extend beyond the individuals directly involved in the illegal operations. She pointed out that the health risks associated with these activities pose a danger to everyone, including neighbors and the broader society. “Galamsey is definitely harmful. So we also want to use this platform to tell people, all those who are involved in this galamsey and illegal mining, to stop so that we don’t end up hurting ourselves because you may think you are isolated doing your own thing somewhere, but it will affect you, it will affect your neighbor, it will affect the society as a whole,” she explained.
The Breast Society’s call comes at a time when Ghana is grappling with the environmental and public health impacts of illegal mining, which has devastated large swathes of the country’s landscape. In addition to contaminating water bodies and destroying arable land, galamsey has contributed to a range of health issues, with vulnerable populations, including women and children, particularly at risk.
Breast cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women in Ghana, is among the diseases that experts warn could be exacerbated by continued exposure to mining-related toxins. The Pinktober 2024 campaign, which was launched by the Breast Society of Ghana, aims to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention and early detection. However, Dr. Anie noted that environmental factors, such as pollution from illegal mining, could hinder efforts to reduce the prevalence of the disease in the country.
The Breast Society’s appeal to end galamsey is part of a broader national conversation about the need for sustainable and environmentally responsible mining practices. While illegal mining provides a source of income for many individuals, the long-term consequences of these activities far outweigh the short-term benefits.
Dr. Anie urged the government, civil society organizations, and communities to work together to find alternative livelihoods for those involved in illegal mining and to enforce existing regulations to protect public health and the environment.
As Ghana continues to tackle the dual challenges of illegal mining and public health, the Breast Society’s warning serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental and human health.
The chemicals used in galamsey not only threaten the country’s natural resources but also pose a serious risk to the well-being of future generations. Dr. Anie’s message is clear: ending illegal mining is essential to safeguarding the health of the population and preventing further harm.
With the launch of the Pinktober 2024 campaign, the Breast Society of Ghana remains committed to promoting cancer awareness and prevention.
However, the society also recognizes that addressing the root causes of health problems, including environmental pollution from illegal mining, is crucial in achieving lasting improvements in public health. The call for an end to galamsey is a step toward a healthier, safer future for all Ghanaians.
