The EPA has reported that mercury from illegal gold mining has contaminated many fish and water bodies in the country. Dr. Jackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi, Ashanti Regional Director of the EPA, warned that this poses a serious public health hazard. He urged support to stop illegal mining. Mercury, he added, is a poisonous chemical harmful to human health.
According to him, atypical skin rashes, bodily coloring, rough skin, and other birth deformities could all be linked to the body’s absorption of mercury.
Dr. Nyantakyi expressed concern that if galamsey activities in the nation are not controlled, the issue will get worse. Research, he said, revealed that mercury traces were found in several water bodies, poisoning or contaminating many fish.
He explained:
“My fears are that many Ghanaians eat lot of kenkey and fishes and who might tell if the fish you are eating is contaminated and so it is imperative for everybody to contribute his or her quota towards fighting illegal mining in the country”
Dr. Nyantakyi stated that illegal gold miners in Ghana use mercury instead of cyanide to refine gold. This practice pollutes the environment and water bodies, posing a serious public health threat. He urged collective action, especially from mining communities, to combat illegal mining. Mercury, a poisonous chemical, can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested, and contaminates fish and microorganisms. Sources of mercury emission include volcanic activity, rock weathering, water movement, forest fires, biological processes, and intentional use.
Read Also: Ghana Faces Ban On Its Fish Food Over Illegal Fishing Methods
