The Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG) has thrown its weight behind the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in demanding immediate government intervention to address the illegal mining crisis, known locally as ‘galamsey’.
In a statement signed by the National Public Relation Officer (PRO), John Agbenyeavu, the UPNMG highlighted the severe health risks posed by illegal mining activities, including water contamination, respiratory illnesses, and increased cancer rates.
“As healthcare professionals, we are especially alarmed by the severe and far-reaching health implications that galamsey poses to our communities, particularly to vulnerable populations,” the union stated.
The UPNMG stated, “The healthcare of millions of Ghanaians is at stake, and decisive actions must be taken without delay to safeguard the health of our communities.”
The union is calling for drastic measures, including the declaration of a state of emergency in affected regions, the revocation of mining licenses in forest areas, and the establishment of a special court to prosecute illegal mining cases.
“We strongly support the immediate revocation of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations 2022 (LI 2462), which has allowed the exploitation of Ghana’s forest reserves,” the statement read.
“All stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organizations, and the international community, to unite in the fight against galamsey.” This unified stance from Ghana’s healthcare professionals underscores the urgent need to tackle the environmental and public health challenges posed by galamsey operations.
Find below the immediate release:
SUPPORT FOR TUC’S CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION ON ILLEGAL MINING
The Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG), a proud affiliate of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), stands in full support of the TUC’s recent statement addressing the critical and pressing issue of illegal mining, commonly referred to as ‘galamsey’. As healthcare professionals, we are especially alarmed by the severe and far-reaching health implications that galamsey poses to our communities, particularly to vulnerable populations.
Illegal mining has not only devastated the environment but also continues to pose significant health risks that cannot be ignored. The detrimental effects of galamsey on public health include:
1. Water Contamination and Toxic Exposure: Illegal mining operations use hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which have polluted many of Ghana’s water bodies. The ingestion of these contaminated waters has led to a rise in severe health conditions, including birth defects and chronic kidney diseases. The long-term exposure to these chemicals is a ticking time bomb for communities relying on these water sources for drinking and agriculture.
2. Respiratory Illnesses: The dust and toxic chemicals released into the air during the mining process significantly increase the risk of respiratory problems. Galamsey has led to the widespread occurrence of bronchitis, asthma, and silicosis, not only among miners but also in nearby communities that are continuously exposed to polluted air.
3. Neurological and Developmental Disorders: The ingestion of contaminated water and exposure to harmful substances pose a particularly alarming risk to children. There is growing evidence of neurological damage and developmental delays among children exposed to toxins from illegal mining, which may lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
4. Malaria and Waterborne Diseases: Galamsey operations disrupt natural water systems, creating stagnant pools of water that become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to an increase in malaria cases. In addition, the contamination of water bodies has led to the proliferation of waterborne diseases such as; Cholera, typhoid Fever and Dysentery.
5. Cancer Risks: The release of carcinogenic substances such as arsenic and benzene into water and soil through illegal mining practices increases the risk of various types of cancer, including Skin, lung, and bladder cancer.
In view of the profound health consequences posed by illegal mining, UPNMG fully supports the TUC’s urgent call for immediate intervention. The healthcare of millions of Ghanaians is at stake, and decisive actions must be taken without delay to safeguard the health of our communities. We therefore echo the
following demands:
1. An immediate declaration of a State of Emergency: The government must declare a state of
emergency in regions severely impacted by illegal mining, as outlined in Articles 31 and 31(4) of the 1992 Constitution. This move is necessary not only to halt environmental degradation but also to protect public health, particularly in communities experiencing heightened health risks.
2. Revocation of LI 2462 and Immediate Withdrawal of Mining Licenses in Forest Areas: we strongly support the immediate revocation of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations 2022 (LI 2462), which has allowed the exploitation of Ghana’s forest reserves. Licenses granted for prospective mining in forest reserves must also be revoked without delay.
3. Establishment of a Special Court for Galamsey Crimes: We call for the creation of a specialized court dedicated to the prosecution of illegal mining cases. Swift and stringent legal actions must be taken to ensure accountability and justice for the communities suffering the health consequences of illegal mining.
UPNMG remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the TUC’s initiatives in addressing the urgent health and environmental crises caused by illegal mining. We urge all stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organizations, and the international community, to unite in the fight against galamsey.
Protecting the health and well-being of Ghanaians must remain a top priority, and immediate, coordinated action is required to safeguard our environment, public health, and future generations.
John Agbenyeavu (National PRO)
Click on the link to join the OnlineTimesGH News channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for
YOU:https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajF89Q6WaKprDT5mu2V
