The Executive Secretary for the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), Rev. Dr (Pharm) Dennis Awitty, has categorically stated that the government must take urgent steps to address illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’, warning that failure to do so will have severe negative implications for the entire pharmaceutical sector.
Dr Awitty highlighted that the quality of water is paramount, noting, for example, that syrups are manufactured with water constituting up to 90 per cent of the ingredients. Consequently, unchecked galamsey activities present a direct threat to domestic drug manufacturing capabilities.
He cautioned that if the nation fails to tackle galamsey with the same seriousness demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry will face a scenario where drug prices increase astronomically or, alternatively, manufacturers may be forced to import water for production purposes.
Rev. Dr Awitty further indicated that water is an essential commodity needed in various manufacturing facilities, not only as an ingredient but also for critical operations such as cleaning and washing machinery. Galamsey is gradually posing a direct threat to the availability of this essential resource.
“Galamsey is a public health emergency that we must address seriously. The urgency we applied to the pandemic should be replicated in the fight against galamsey,” he stressed. “Syrups, for example, are 90 percent water. If we fail to act swiftly, we may be compelled to import water to manufacture the drugs, which will certainly drive up costs. Furthermore, manufacturing companies depend on water to clean their machinery, and its unavailability will create serious operational challenges.”
The professional emphasised that as Ghana aims to establish itself as the pharmaceutical hub of West Africa, there is a national responsibility to address galamsey to ensure this focus and target are not undermined.
“If we do not deal with galamsey, we will struggle to become the pharmaceutical industry hub because the raw materials for drug production will be contaminated with poisonous materials,” he asserted.
He added that Ghana hosts one of the largest infusion plants in West Africa, where water constitutes the majority of the materials used. “If they are unable to source clean water, and as our Volta Lake continues to be contaminated, that infusion plant, along with other drug manufacturing companies in the enclave, will be forced to close down. We must not waste time and sit idle only to regret it later. The time for action is now.”
