Galamsey may force Ghana to import water for local medicine production - Pharmaceutical Society warns

Accra, Ghana - The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSG) has sounded the alarm on the devastating impact of illegal mining on the country's water bodies, warning that Ghana may soon be forced to import water to support local pharmaceutical production.

This dire prediction was made at the PSG's 2024 annual general meeting, where members highlighted the escalating costs of treating water for manufacturing due to environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities.

According to PSG President, Dr. Samuel Kow Donkoh, the treatment of water for local pharmaceutical production has become increasingly expensive, contributing to the high cost of medicine in Ghana.

He emphasized that Ghana's local manufacturers currently produce all the infusions needed in the country, but quality water is essential for this production.

“The activities of illegal miners in particular have devastated our water bodies, making it increasingly expensive for pharmaceutical companies to treat water for their manufacturing processes. Ghana currently enjoys self-sufficiency in local production of infusions but illegal mining threatens this achievement.''

“If this environmental degradation continues, we may soon face the grave reality of importing water to support our local manufacturing industry. The pollution from these mining activities is so severe that expensive technology is also required to treat water, contributing to the high cost of medicines. We therefore call on the government to take urgent decisive action to end this lawlessness,'' he stated.

Source :Lead News Online