Galamsey in Ghana – a recipe for occupational and a public health disaster

“Galamsey”, the local Ghanaian term for illegal and unregulated gold mining, disregards compliance with global health, safety, and environmental standards. As a result, both workers and the public are exposed to severe health risks. Unlike regulated mining processes, where chemicals like cyanide are used under strict controls, galamsey operations rely heavily on mercury for gold extraction. Although mercury is a highly hazardous substance, it is preferred by galamsey miners due to its lower cost. Despite its affordability, the Minamata Convention on Mercury classifies mercury as one of the top 10 hazardous chemicals threatening public health globally. This has led to an active campaign against its usage. Chronic exposure to mercury has devastating effects on the digestive, nervous, respiratory, and immune systems, as well as causing damage to the skin and eyes.

In Ghana, galamsey has become rampant, causing numerous water bodies, including those along coastal lines, to become discolored and heavily polluted. The unregulated use of mercury to extract gold results in severe water contamination. Improper handling and frequent spills lead to mercury seeping into rivers and other water sources, threatening both aquatic ecosystems and human populations. Many communities rely on these contaminated water bodies for drinking, irrigation, and livestock needs, hence exposing them to the hazardous effects of mercury. Workers who spend long hours working in these polluted waters are prone to skin infections, while mercury-contaminated products can lead to serious health conditions, such as neurological disorders and birth defects. In addition, water scarcity aggravated by mercury contamination poses far-reaching consequences in communities.

Furthermore, galamsey operations are undertaken without engineering controls such as dust suppression techniques in place and this leads to the release of particulate matter into the atmosphere. These particulates mostly contain respirable crystalline silica, a hazardous substance that can cause silicosis, lung cancer, and kidney damage. In galamsey operations, there is little evidence of compliance with Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL) or the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 50 µg/m³, significantly increasing the risk to miners. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies crystalline silica (such as quartz and cristobalite) as a Group 1 human carcinogen when inhaled in workplace environments (over long periods). Both workers and nearby residents face a high risk of developing irreversible silicosis due to prolonged exposure.

Mercury and other heavy metals like lead and arsenic used in galamsey operations can also contaminate crops grown on polluted land. These chemicals pose severe health risks, including kidney failure and respiratory disorders. As a result, contaminated food becomes unsafe for both human and animal consumption, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates.

Also, poorly managed mined areas leave stagnant pools of water, creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. This increases the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and yellow fever for both workers and surrounding communities.

Mining activities, including galamsey, generate extremely high levels of noise, often reaching as high as 120 dB(A), which far exceeds the standard threshold limit value of 85 dB(A) set by most countries. Prolonged exposure to such high decibel levels can lead to various auditory problems, including tinnitus (ringing in the ears), temporary hearing loss, and even permanent hearing loss. In galamsey operations, workers rarely use ear protection devices like ear muffs or ear plugs, leaving them vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

The deforestation caused by galamsey operations significantly weakens the earth’s natural cooling system. Forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide (a major greenhouse gas) and regulating temperatures through transpiration. The destruction of forests from galamsey diminishes their ability to control the climate, contributing to heat waves and heat stress – a dangerous consequence in a country already bearing the brunt of high temperatures.

In conclusion, it is imperative that the relevant authorities take decisive action to immediately stop all galamsey activities. Also, educating galamsey workers on safe mining techniques that promote sustainable mining practices is crucial for legal mining ventures in the future. Finally, the implementation of air and water quality monitoring programs at both legal mining sites and surrounding communities is crucial to ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental standards. END GALAMSEY NOW, LIVES ARE AT STAKE.

Written by Peter Foreigner Mensah, NEBOSH IGC, IOSH, PECB ISO 45001 MSc(A) Occupational Health Student, McGill University

References

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