We’ll all die if we don’t act against galamsey now – UTAG-UG
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana chapter, has issued a stark warning about the devastating impact of illegal mining, known as galamsey, on the country’s water sources and public health.
Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison, General Secretary of UTAG-UG, sounded the alarm on the Channel One Newsroom on Monday September 15, calling for immediate nationwide action to address the crisis before it results in widespread health disasters.
“If we don’t do what we are supposed to do now, we will all die,” he stated bluntly. “The water situation is causing havoc in people’s homes. Many areas, including Kwanyako, don’t have access to clean water. People can’t even afford to buy water for their households.”
Dr. Harrison, a scientist, warned that continued consumption of contaminated water could lead to long-term health issues, including cancers and neurological diseases.
“People have had to consume these waters, and they are going to have cancers and neuro diseases by all means. Is that not an emergency enough for you?” he questioned.
He challenged authorities and the public not to wait until the damage becomes visibly widespread. “So what do you prefer — that we sit down for 5%, 10% of the population to begin to have visible neurological symptoms before we take action? No.”
Dr. Harrison also highlighted the dangers posed by contaminated water entering the food chain, noting that even if humans avoid drinking the polluted water directly, they may still be exposed through animals and crops.
“You can’t prevent the animals from going to drink the water,” he explained. “Whether you like it or not, if you don’t get it through the food, you get it through the meat.”
