The Health Cost of Galamsey in Ghana

Galamsey, an illegal mining activity predominantly involving small-scale miners, has become one of the major threats to public health in Ghana. The term is derived from the phrase “gather and sell.” Over the past few years, the proliferation of galamsey activities has worsened the environmental and health conditions in regions rich in mineral resources, especially in rural communities. This research examines the health cost of galamsey in Ghana from 2021 to 2024, focusing on the health impacts on populations in affected regions, and comparing them to non- affected regions.

The data used in this research is based on records from the Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and non-governmental organizations involved in environmental and health advocacy. The time period covered is between 2021 and 2024, and includes both primary and secondary data on public health trends in regions with galamsey activity, and those without.

Health Effects of Galamsey in Affected Regions

Regions most impacted by galamsey activities, including the Western, Ashanti, and Eastern regions, have seen a rise in various health problems linked to mining pollution. These health issues include respiratory diseases due to air pollution, waterborne diseases such as cholera, and heavy metal poisoning from polluted water sources. According to health reports, mercury contamination and cyanide exposure have become common in these regions, leading to chronic ailments, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

Comparison of Health Issues in Affected and Non-Affected Regions

Comparing the health data from galamsey-affected regions to non-affected regions reveals stark contrasts. While respiratory diseases and waterborne infections have spiked in mining-intensive areas, non-affected regions such as the Northern and Volta regions have reported lower incidences of these diseases. The significant difference in the prevalence of health conditions points to the environmental degradation caused by galamsey as a key contributor to the declining health of affected communities.

Table 1: Incidence of Respiratory Diseases in Galamsey-Affected vs Non-Affected Regions

Source: Ghana Health Service (2021-2024)

The data in Table 1 and the graph above illustrates a rising trend in respiratory diseases in galamsey-affected regions from 2021 to 2024. The significant increase can be attributed to pollution from mining activities, including the release of toxic substances like mercury and particulate matter into the atmosphere. In contrast, non-affected regions show much lower rates of respiratory diseases, with only slight variations over the years.

Table 2: Waterborne Disease Cases in Affected vs Non-Affected Regions

Source: Ministry of Health (2021-2024)

Table 2 and the graph above highlights the disparity in waterborne disease cases between affected and non-affected regions. The rise in cases in galamsey-affected regions can be linked to contamination of water bodies with chemicals like mercury and cyanide, making them unfit for consumption and increasing the risk of cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. In non-affected regions, waterborne diseases remain relatively stable due to the absence of such environmental hazards.

Table 3: Heavy Metal Poisoning Cases in Affected vs Non-Affected Regions (2021-2024)

Source: Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana (2021-2024)

The data in Table 3 and the graph above shows the growing number of heavy metal poisoning cases in affected regions, largely due to illegal mining practices that lead to mercury and lead contamination. Such cases have remained consistently low in non-affected regions where environmental pollution is not a significant issue.

The Health Cost of Galamsey in Ghana in Monetary Terms

The health impacts of galamsey activities in Ghana not only manifest in increased disease burdens but also translate into significant economic costs. Estimating the direct and indirect healthcare costs linked to galamsey activities reveals a substantial strain on the country's healthcare system.

According to the Ghana Health Service, the average cost of treating a respiratory disease case in a public hospital is estimated to be around GHS 300 per patient annually. For galamsey-affected regions, where respiratory diseases have surged to 560 cases per 100,000 people in 2024, the direct cost for treating respiratory diseases alone reaches GHS 168,000 per 100,000 people annually. Similarly, the cost for treating waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid is estimated at GHS 250 per patient annually. With 1,180 waterborne disease cases per 100,000 people in 2024, the annual treatment cost totals GHS 295,000 per 100,000 people.

Heavy metal poisoning, which requires more specialized care, incurs an even higher financial burden, averaging GHS 1,500 per patient annually. Given the 270 cases per 100,000 people in galamsey-affected regions in 2024, the cost for treating heavy metal poisoning amounts to GHS 405,000 per 100,000 people annually.

Overall, the total annual health cost for just these three conditions in galamsey-affected regions exceeds GHS 868,000 per 100,000 people. This figure excludes indirect costs such as loss of productivity, long-term disabilities, and social welfare support, further exacerbating the financial toll on affected communities and the national economy.

Summary of Findings and Conclusion
The data analyzed over the four-year period shows a disturbing trend of deteriorating public health in regions impacted by galamsey activities. The increasing number of respiratory diseases, waterborne infections, and heavy metal poisoning cases is a direct result of environmental degradation caused by unregulated mining practices. The high levels of pollution in water bodies and the air, combined with the poor waste management systems in these areas, create a toxic living environment for residents.

In contrast, regions not affected by galamsey activities have maintained more stable health records, with much lower incidences of pollution-related diseases. The comparison highlights the urgent need for regulatory enforcement and public health interventions in galamsey-affected regions.

The government, together with international bodies, must intensify efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of illegal mining and ensure that affected populations receive the necessary healthcare interventions. Underwater equipment can also play a role in monitoring polluted water bodies and tracking contamination, providing valuable data for restoration efforts. Failure to address these issues will continue to result in higher healthcare costs and loss of human capital in these regions.

Underwater equipment

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