Pediatric Society urges Mahama to declare illegal mining a state of emergency
The Pediatric Society of Ghana has once again urged President John Mahama to declare illegal mining a state of emergency, citing the serious health risks the practice poses to children.
In an open letter to the President, the society warned that the illicit mining operations threaten children’s health and brain development, with potentially irreversible effects on the country’s future.
The pediatricians drew attention to the ongoing danger of children drowning in open pits left by galamsey activities, as well as the harmful impact of toxic substances such as mercury, lead, arsenic, and cyanide that contaminate water sources, soil, and the food chain.
They further noted that these poisonous chemicals have been proven to pass to unborn babies, adversely affecting their growth and development.
“Pregnant women and young children are exposed through contaminated drinking water, fish, crops, and household dust. These toxins easily cross the placenta and enter breast milk, affecting children during their most critical developmental stages,” the statement highlighted.
