Dr. Bright Boafo Boamah, a Medical Doctor and Toxicologist, has revealed that it could take 10 to 15 years to restore Ghana’s water bodies severely polluted by illegal mining activities, known as galamsey. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 12, Dr. Boamah highlighted the extensive environmental damage caused by galamsey, particularly the contamination of rivers and streams by toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide, making the restoration process both challenging and lengthy.
He explained that even with immediate interventions, the recovery of these water bodies would require long-term efforts, including continuous monitoring and the implementation of remediation strategies. Dr. Boamah stressed the urgent need for strict enforcement of environmental laws to prevent further pollution of the country’s natural resources. He also highlighted the significant health risks posed by the contamination, warning that both humans and wildlife are exposed to toxic elements from these polluted water sources.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Boamah called on the government, civil society, and the general public to take the fight against galamsey seriously. He emphasized that failure to act now could lead to devastating consequences for future generations. He also pointed out that heavy metal contamination, such as mercury, could induce antimicrobial resistance, further complicating the health impacts. Dr. Boamah warned that some water bodies might never be fully restored, underscoring the need for urgent and sustained action to protect Ghana’s environment.