By Prof. Ernest Yoke, Vice President of the Ghana Medical Association, has revealed that much of the food available on the market may become contaminated due to illegal mining activities in rural areas.
He explained that research conducted by the association has shown that certain food products and livestock are being affected by these contaminants.
In an interview on September 7, he emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts to combat this issue.
He argued that no one is safe until illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, is completely stopped.
“There are tons of publications that suggest that it has gone beyond just the immediate environs of the galamsey. It is coming to town.
“So you live in Accra and you think you are safe, I tell you go to Agblobloshie, you go to Mallam Atta to buy food it is coming home,” he said.
Prof. Yoke further cautioned that long-term consumption of contaminated foods can lead to damage to vital organs.
He suggested that the recent increase in kidney-related cases could be connected to the environmental impact of illegal mining.
The GMA Vice President stressed that no one is safe until galamsey is fully eradicated.
