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Dr. Bright Boafo Boamah, a Medical Doctor and Toxicologist, has expressed concern that it may take 10 to 15 years to fully restore Ghana’s water bodies, which have been severely polluted by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
During an appearance on JoyNews’ *Newsfile* programme on Saturday, October 12, 2024, Dr. Boamah emphasized that the environmental destruction caused by galamsey will require a significant amount of time and resources to repair. He pointed out that toxic chemicals, such as mercury and cyanide, used in illegal mining activities have deeply contaminated many water sources, making the clean-up process challenging and prolonged.
He further highlighted the health risks posed by this pollution, explaining that the toxic substances not only threaten human health but also wildlife. “Currently, most of the antibiotics are not responding because normally it’s due to poor use of antibiotics or prescriptions, but it has also been shown that this heavy metal induces some antimicrobial resistance,” Dr. Boamah said.
He stressed the complexity of the issue, stating, “Even if we should start now, I think somewhere between 10-15 years to be able to do this, and I know there are some water bodies that cannot be restored.”
Dr. Boamah urged the government to strictly enforce environmental regulations and introduce sustainable practices to prevent further damage to the country’s natural resources. He called for a united approach, involving the government, civil society, and the public, to tackle galamsey effectively, warning that failure to act quickly could have disastrous consequences for future generations.
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