A Member of the National Democratic Congress Communications Team and Medical Practitioner, Dr Samuel Ayeh has petitioned the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), urging the association to summon Dr. (Med) Nana Ayew Afriyie, the New Patriotic Party MP for Effiduase-Asokore Constituency before its Disciplinary Committee.
The petition, filed based on Dr Afriyie’s recent public comments supporting illegal small-scale mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, has sparked public outrage and called into question the professional integrity of the association.
“On Saturday, September 28 2024, Dr(med) Nana Ayew Afriyie speaking at a public function made statements that suggest that he vehemently supports the illicit activities of galamsay which has become a bane in the safety of our environment (video attached).
“This statement as captured in a viral video (as attached to this petition) has filtered through both traditional and social media receiving massive public backlash and opprobrium ridiculing him for his reckless comments”.
Dr (Med) Samuel Aych, a Member of the National Democratic Congress Communications Team
Dr Sammy Ayeh, who is equally a member of the Ghana Medical Association, strongly argued that Dr Afriyie’s comment starkly contrasts with the GMA’s formal position, as expressed in a joint press release with other allied health organizations on September 6, 2024, which condemned illegal mining activities for their devastating health and environmental impacts.
Dr. Samuel Ayeh, the petitioner, highlighted the glaring contradiction between Dr. Afriyie’s remarks and the association’s resolute condemnation of galamsey.
“These words are in sharp contradiction to the GMA’s position, where the association bemoaned the health hazards of illegal mining, condemning the menace in all its forms and calling on the government to ban all small-scale mining”.
Dr (Med) Samuel Aych, a Member of the National Democratic Congress Communications Tea
The Impact of Galamsey on Health and Environment
Highlighting the impact of illegal mining activities, Dr Sammy Ayeh, pointed out that illegal mining is mostly conducted using hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which have led to the contamination of vital water sources in the country.
He emphasized that rivers such as the Pra and Birim, which provide drinking water to numerous communities, have been severely polluted, leading to the shutdown of key facilities such as the Ghana Water Company’s plants in Cape Coast, Elmina, and Kyebi.
“This has brought untold hardships unto Ghanaians living in these areas of supply, the last thing the people expect is a medical doctor who has every knowledge of the effects of this activity to make such retrogressive irresponsible comments”.
Dr (Med) Samuel Aych, a Member of the National Democratic Congress Communications Team
Dr Ayeh’s petition underscored the grave risks posed by galamsey, pointing out the role of medical professionals in raising awareness about its adverse health effects.
He expressed deep concern over the fact that Dr. Afriyie, with over two decades of medical experience, would make such statements, knowing full well the consequences of illegal mining on public health.
“The last thing the people expect is a medical doctor who has every knowledge of the effects of this activity to make such retrogressive, irresponsible comments,” Dr. Ayeh lamented.
Potential Repercussions for the GMA
The petition also raised a crucial concern: that Dr. Afriyie’s comments could be misconstrued as the official stance of the entire medical association.
With over 10,000 members, Dr Ayeh noted that the GMA has long held itself to high professional and ethical standards, especially when it comes to public health matters.
Dr. Ayeh thus feared that if swift disciplinary action is not taken, the association’s reputation could suffer irreparable damage.
He added that Dr. Afriyie’s statements have “brought the name of the association into grave disrepute,” and urged the leadership to take decisive action to protect the association’s image.
Call for Disciplinary Action
In light of these concerns, Dr. Ayeh invoked the GMA’s Executive Council’s authority, as enshrined in Article 24 of the association’s constitution, to summon Dr. Afriyie before the Disciplinary Committee.
He called for the imposition of appropriate sanctions, which could include suspension from the association.
Dr Ayeh believes that such measures would send a strong message to both the public and the medical fraternity about the GMA’s unwavering commitment to the fight against illegal mining and its dedication to upholding the highest professional standards.
He pointed out that illegal mining remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges in Ghana, and the country stands on the brink of ecological collapse if urgent measures are not taken to address the menace.
Dr. Ayeh’s petition represents more than a call for disciplinary action; it is a plea for national responsibility and collective action in the face of an environmental crisis.
“Finally, Ghana stands on the brink of a collapse of our environment, together with it forests, water bodies and ecological zones and a move such as this will represent the association’s highest commitment to the good people of Ghana in ensuring that its members exhibit the highest level of professional standards as we collectively battle this menace”.
Dr (Med) Samuel Aych, a Member of the National Democratic Congress Communications Team
The petition was copied to the Executive Council of the GMA, which is expected to deliberate on the matter in the coming days.
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