Galamsey Crisis: Ghana's water bodies may take 15-years to recover - Toxicologist

Accra, Ghana - October 12, 2024 - A toxicologist and medical doctor, Dr. Bright Boafo Boamah, has sounded the alarm on the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana's water sources.

Speaking on JoyNews Dr. Boamah revealed that restoring polluted water bodies could take up to 15 years due to severe contamination from chemicals like mercury and cyanide.

Dr. Boamah emphasized the urgent need for strict law enforcement and sustainable solutions to prevent further pollution. He also highlighted potential health risks, including toxic exposure and antimicrobial resistance.

The expert urged collective action, warning that inaction would have dire consequences for future generations.

''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,'' he stated.

"So we are not really dealing with a very simple issue and even if we should look at how to restore the water bodies and 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," he added.

Source: Florence Kyei /Lead News Online