Illegal mining, widely known as "galamsey," has long been blamed for environmental destruction and water pollution in Ghana. However, new reports indicate a more alarming consequence, an increase in congenital deformities among children born in heavily affected mining communities. Health experts warn that exposure to toxic chemicals used in illegal gold extraction is now causing more birth defects than chronic illnesses, raising urgent concerns about public health and environmental safety.

Galamsey operators frequently use mercury, lead, and cyanide to extract gold from ore. These substances seep into rivers and soil, contaminating drinking water and food supplies. According to Dr. Paul Osei Sampene, a pathologist and researcher at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), these heavy metals can accumulate in the human body and impact reproductive health.

"Mercury is particularly dangerous because it can pass from a pregnant mother to her unborn child, affecting brain development and causing severe birth defects," Dr. Sampene explained. "We are seeing rising cases of infants with neurological impairments, limb deformities, and other abnormalities in mining-intensive areas."

 MERCURY CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS IN BABIES

Towns such as Tarkwa, Prestea, and Wassa Akropong in the Western Region, as well as Obuasi, Manso Nkwanta, Tonto Krom in the Ashanti Region, have been identified as hotspots for illegal mining.

In these areas, hospitals have reported an increase in cases of babies born with missing limbs, hydrocephalus (brain swelling), and cleft palates. Investigative journalist Erastus Asare Donkor has documented these disturbing trends, linking them directly to heavy metal contamination from mining.

Beyond the impact on human health, illegal mining is devastating Ghana’s protected forests. In a recent report, Erastus Asare Donkor exposed the extent of galamsey activities in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve, where 15 excavators were seized in a major raid by authorities. The operation faced strong resistance from illegal miners, highlighting the difficulty in enforcing mining laws in protected areas (MyJoyOnline).

Additionally, the Forestry Commission, in collaboration with security agencies, has been working to apprehend illegal miners operating within the Tano Anwia Forest. Despite these efforts, galamsey operations persist, endangering both the environment and public health (MyJoyOnline).

While chronic illnesses like kidney disease, respiratory infections, and skin conditions have long been associated with illegal mining, the growing number of birth defects presents an even greater challenge. Unlike chronic diseases, which develop over time and can be managed with treatment, congenital deformities leave children with lifelong disabilities from birth.

"Chronic diseases are serious, but many of them are treatable. Birth defects, on the other hand, are permanent and often require expensive medical interventions," said Dr. Ama Serwaa, an environmental health expert. "In many cases, affected children are abandoned or face severe social stigma."

Despite several government crackdowns on illegal mining, enforcement remains weak. Community leaders and health professionals are calling for urgent action, including:

Stronger Law Enforcement: Strict penalties for illegal mining operators and those who supply toxic chemicals.

Public Health Awareness Campaigns: Educating mining communities on the dangers of exposure to toxic substances.

Medical Support: Improved healthcare services for affected children and families.

Environmental Rehabilitation: Decontaminating polluted rivers and farmland to prevent further exposure.

Traditional leaders in mining-prone areas have also urged the government to take decisive action against galamsey, warning that future generations will suffer irreversible health consequences if nothing is done.

"The damage being done today will affect our children and grandchildren. If we don’t stop galamsey now, we will pay the price for generations to come," said Nana Kofi Boakye, a chief in the Western Region.

As Ghana continues to battle the illegal mining menace, the rise in child deformities serves as a painful reminder that the consequences of galamsey extend beyond environmental destruction. If left unchecked, an entire generation could suffer from preventable disabilities caused by environmental negligence.

With public pressure mounting and fresh reports exposing the devastating effects of illegal mining, the government must act swiftly to protect both the environment and the country’s most vulnerable citizens—its children.

Source: MyJoyOnline