US-based engineer, Dr. Juliet Ohemeng-Ntiamoah has raised alarms over the discovery of high levels of heavy metals in some food products exported from Ghana, specifically yams.
She highlighted this issue during a discussion on galamsey’s impacts on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Dr. Ohemeng-Ntiamoah criticized those who downplay the effects of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, on areas like Accra, arguing that the consequences extend far beyond the mining regions.
“People have told me before, ‘You live in the US, why does galamsey concern you?’ But it affects all of us, even in the diaspora. I still buy Ghanaian food, like yams, from African markets here in the US. A friend at the Ghana Standards Board recently shared with me that some of the yams being exported have tested high for heavy metals,” she revealed.
She explained that individuals in Accra, who believe they are unaffected because the mining is happening elsewhere, are actually at a greater risk of exposure than those overseas. “The impact of galamsey reaches everyone, including those in Accra who think it’s only a problem for the Western or Ashanti Regions,” she said.
Dr. Ohemeng-Ntiamoah also pointed out that Ghana’s water treatment processes are inadequate in addressing heavy metal contamination caused by galamsey.
She stressed that the environmental crisis goes beyond visible pollution, such as muddy water, and involves more serious long-term health risks due to chemicals like mercury, lead, and arsenic.
Ghana is currently in the midst of a nationwide push to combat illegal mining, with numerous protests calling for urgent government intervention.
The rising pressure has also led Organised Labour to announce a planned strike on October 10, 2024, as they join the fight to address the devastating consequences of galamsey on communities and the environment.