Galamsey a public health crisis, curb it now — House of Chiefs urges Mahama to act swiftly

The National House of Chiefs has issued a strong appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to step up the fight against illegal mining, warning that the galamsey scourge is rapidly becoming a national health crisis.

Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso, delivered the call during a durbar held as part of President Mahama's ‘Thank You Tour’ of the Western North Region on Tuesday, July 15.

Addressing the President and community members, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II expressed alarm at the growing number of serious health conditions being reported in mining-affected areas. He pointed to contaminated rivers and streams as the main source of illness, particularly in newborns and pregnant women.

“Galamsey is seriously impacting our water bodies and causing illnesses. I know the President has made several commitments to fight this menace. We acknowledge your efforts, but the situation is urgent. We must curb galamsey now to prevent the outbreak of disease,” he said.

He explained that hospitals in regions plagued by illegal mining are increasingly overwhelmed by cases linked to environmental degradation, with many involving birth complications and chronic illnesses due to exposure to polluted water.

Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II noted that while the government has taken steps in the past to combat the menace, the pace and intensity of interventions must now be scaled up to avert an impending health disaster.

“We, as chiefs, promise to support you in curbing the menace,” he assured, pledging the full backing of the country’s traditional authorities in President Mahama’s renewed war on illegal mining.

The call from the National House of Chiefs adds to mounting pressure on government to treat illegal mining as not only an environmental threat but an urgent national emergency requiring swift and coordinated action.