The General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association Dr. Richard Selormey has highlighted the alarming situation surrounding water contamination in mining areas and its widespread health effects.
According to Dr. Selormey, the situation has reached a critical level, where immediate action is necessary to avert further disaster. Dr. Selormey pointed out the severe health risks posed by contaminated water and soil, particularly in mining regions. He noted; “We are in a dire situation, and we all know this.”
Dr. Selormey began by emphasizing that, those working in mining areas are at significant risk. The hazards range from severe injuries to exposure to dangerous substances, such as cyanide, used in mining activities. Dr. Selormey elaborated on the physical manifestations that healthcare professionals encounter daily.
“People coming with very terrible injuries… Some are also coming with lung issues; some are coming with kidney issues.”
Dr. Richard Selormey the General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association GMA
Dr. Selormey further highlighted that many of these miners, who are often not the major beneficiaries of the mining activities, face financial hardships.
“The sad thing is these people down there…when they come to the hospital, they can’t even pay their bills. Most of them end up abandoned and die.”
Dr. Richard Selormey the General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association GMA
The Spread of Contaminated Water
The environmental impact of mining extends far beyond the immediate areas of operation. Dr. Selormey warned that contaminated water is not confined to the rivers in mining regions but also affects groundwater. This, in turn, has a broader impact across different parts of the country, including areas far from the mining sites. “The groundwater itself is at risk,” he noted. Dr. Selormey also pointed out that water pollution does not remain localized.
“It’s not as though when it’s polluted in, say, BA (Bono Region) or up north or in Ashanti region, it stays in BA and that’s it; it moves and percolates.”
Dr. Richard Selormey the General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association GMA
Dr. Selormey added that the effects of water contamination are far-reaching, affecting even Greater Accra, which consumes a significant portion of the produce from farming areas in regions heavily impacted by mining. Dr. Selormey stressed that the consumption of contaminated water and food grown in polluted soils poses long-term health risks to the entire population. Dr. Selormey referenced studies and reports on the harmful effects of heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, on human health.
“Mercury has terrible deleterious or irreversible effects on many aspects of our body, from the kidneys to the brain and many other parts of our body.”
Dr. Richard Selormey the General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association GMA
These metals are also linked to cancer, making the situation even more alarming. Furthermore, the impact is not limited to the current generation. He asserted; “The effects go beyond just to affect our children who are drinking this water.” Dr. Selormey warned, noting that some children may develop learning disabilities due to brain damage caused by exposure to these heavy metals.
Dr. Selormey also mentioned that younger individuals are increasingly suffering from kidney issues, which are typically linked to prolonged exposure to contaminated water and food. One of the most concerning issues raised by Dr. Selormey is the rise in birth defects in areas affected by mining activities. Dr. Selormey referenced work done by Dr. Sampeene, where the research shown has shown a correlation between mining pollution and the increase in birth defects in mining regions. He noted;
“Data is beginning to emerge, showing us that, many kids are being born with some defects. These birth defects include conditions such as cleft lip, heart defects, and other malformations, some come with one eye and various defects that are happening.”
Dr. Richard Selormey the General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association GMA
While not all birth defects are directly linked to exposure to pollution, the data indicates a worrying trend in areas heavily impacted by mining activities.
Moreover, Dr. Selormey stressed on the urgency of addressing the water contamination issue. He cited recent studies that have shown heavy metals, initially found upstream in mining areas, being detected as far as the ocean. He emphasized; “.. the effect is widespread because, as I’m seeing, it doesn’t stop at where the thing is being done. It goes beyond there to the seashore.”
This means that even communities far from the mining areas are at risk of exposure to contaminated water. He noted; “That is why we must act and act now because it’s an emergency. We can’t waste too much time anymore.”
Dr. Selormey’s insights highlighted the far-reaching impact of water contamination due to mining activities in Ghana. The health risks extend beyond the immediate mining communities, affecting the entire country. Urgent action is needed to address this environmental and public health crisis to prevent further harm to the population.
