Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, a former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom and a medical practitioner, has issued a compelling call to action against the devastating health impacts of illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” in Ghana. He criticizes the incumbent government’s perceived inaction and urges health institutions to take legal measures to force the government’s hand in addressing this pressing public health crisis. Dr. Kissi argues that the extensive use of hazardous chemicals, such as cyanide, in galamsey operations poses a severe threat to the nation’s health, contaminating food and water sources and increasing the risk of cancer and other debilitating diseases.
Dr. Kissi’s appeal emphasizes the urgent need for decisive action. He laments what he perceives as a lack of appreciation by the government of the gravity of the galamsey situation and its accompanying health hazards. He proposes that legal action, possibly in the form of lawsuits against the government, might be the catalyst needed to spur the authorities into action. Dr. Kissi points to the historical effectiveness of lawsuits in driving change in other countries, notably the United States, suggesting that a similar approach could compel Ghanaian authorities to finally address the galamsey menace effectively.
The former MP’s concerns center on the widespread contamination of food staples like cassava and yam with dangerous chemicals used in illegal mining operations. These chemicals, he argues, leach into the soil and water, eventually finding their way into the food chain, posing a significant threat to the health of Ghanaians. Dr. Kissi goes as far as labeling the unregulated use of such toxic substances as a form of “bio-terrorism,” highlighting the extreme danger they pose to public health and the urgent need to combat this clandestine but destructive activity.
Dr. Kissi’s call for legal action underscores the frustration felt by many over the government’s perceived inability or unwillingness to effectively combat galamsey. He contends that the current dialogue and rhetoric surrounding the issue are no longer sufficient and that tangible action, potentially through legal challenges, is required to force the government to prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens. He believes that the courts may provide the necessary impetus for change, obliging the government to implement stricter regulations, enforce existing laws, and mitigate the health risks associated with illegal mining.
The potential long-term health consequences of galamsey are a major concern for Dr. Kissi. The continuous exposure to heavy metals and toxic chemicals through contaminated food and water can lead to a multitude of health problems, including various forms of cancer, neurological disorders, and developmental issues. His characterization of galamsey as a form of “bio-terrorism” emphasizes the severity of the situation and the insidious nature of the threat it poses to the nation’s health. This framing underscores the urgency of addressing this crisis before its long-term impacts become irreversible and overwhelm the country’s healthcare system.
Dr. Kissi’s outspoken advocacy underscores the growing public health crisis fueled by illegal mining in Ghana. His call for legal action against the government reflects a growing sentiment that more aggressive measures are needed to combat galamsey and protect the health of the nation. He believes that by holding the government legally accountable, health institutions can force a much-needed shift in policy and enforcement, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of present and future generations of Ghanaians. The continued inaction, he warns, carries a heavy price – the health and future of the nation.
