According to Professor Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, an Associate Professor and Consultant Pathologist, babies born in areas affected by illegal mining, known as galamsey, experience severe health consequences. The heavy metals used in gold extraction by galamsey operators, such as mercury, cyanide, and lead, lead to cognitive impairment and physical deformities in these children.
When infants inhale or consume substances contaminated with these metals, they can absorb up to 50% of them, while adults absorb around 15-20%. The high affinity of the gastrointestinal tract in children for these metals, including lead, contributes to the significant impact on their health. Prof. Sampene Ossei also mentioned cases where babies are born with their legs forming around the chest, neck, and stomach, and even more distressingly, babies born with one eye or without genitalia.
Additionally, these children suffer from kidney and hypertensive-related conditions. These findings highlight the detrimental effects of galamsey on the health and well-being of individuals residing in mining communities.
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