Galamsey Menace: Mercury can remain in water for 1,000 years – Environmentalist cautions

Dr George Manful of the Frimpong Manso Institute has raised urgent concerns about the dangerous use of mercury in illegal mining, known as galamsey, highlighting its severe impact on both human health and the environment.

In an interview with Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, Dr Manful described the practice as highly harmful. “The use of mercury in water bodies, which people depend on for drinking and daily activities, is extremely dangerous,” he said. “Mercury can remain in water for up to 1,000 years. Its half-life in the environment is 444 years, meaning it persists for a very long time.”

The former staff of Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explained that miners are using one to two grams of mercury to extract just one gram of gold. “While not all small-scale miners use mercury, the scale of the problem is alarming. Ghana’s small-scale mining sector produces over 1.2 million ounces of gold annually—around 34 metric tons. This means we are potentially introducing up to 30 tons of mercury into our water systems.”

Dr Manful highlighted the severe pollution of Ghana’s major rivers, including the Ankobra, Pra, and Birim. “The water in these rivers is so turbid that it is undrinkable. Villagers are forced to consume water that looks like chocolate milk, which is deeply troubling.”

He also emphasised the health risks of mercury, which is a potent neurotoxin. “Despite decades of efforts to tackle this issue, it remains unresolved. I have been dealing with this problem since I began my career with the Environmental Protection Agency 43 years ago.”

However, Dr Manful remains hopeful. “We can solve this problem if we are committed to taking action.”

He warned that if mercury continues to be used and remains in the environment for centuries, Ghana could face severe consequences.

“Mercury contamination is evident in river sediments and accumulates in fish. People who consume these fish or drink the contaminated water are at risk.”

Additionally, mercury can enter crops grown with polluted water, affecting the entire food chain. We are slowly poisoning ourselves, which is a serious issue that must be addressed,” he concluded.