The Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA) has voiced serious alarm over the rising incidence of kidney and liver diseases in communities impacted by illegal mining. According to the association, the spike in renal and hepatic health issues is closely tied to elevated levels of mercury and other toxic metals polluting water sources relied upon by households in these mining zones.
Dr Emmanuel Owiafe, GHOSPA’s National Chairman, shared these concerns during the Pharmacy Technicians Association of Ghana’s (PTAC) 16th Annual General Conference, held on October 17 in Kumasi under the theme “Transforming Pharmacy Technicians Education and Practice in Ghana: 50 Years of Innovation, Excellence and Impact.” He emphasised that the situation constitutes a significant public health emergency and called for immediate government action.
“A number of patients are now being reported with increased issues related to their kidneys and livers, and it is becoming a menace to the entire population. That is why we, as the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana and the GHOSPA alike, are calling for swift and decisive action from the government,” he stated.
Dr Owiafe added that the association has long discussed the health implications of galamsey and believes it is time for authorities to move beyond dialogue and take concrete steps to curb the practice. We have examined several aspects of the health effects of galamsey. The decision now must be something decisive that the government can take,” he emphasised.
Source: Sammi Wiafe
