The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana branch, has expressed grave concern over the devastating impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on the country’s water resources and public health.
Dr Jerry Joe Harrison, General Secretary of UTAG-UG, speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Monday, September 15, cautioned that urgent collective action is required to avert what he described as a looming catastrophe.
“If we fail to act now, we shall all perish,” he declared.
He explained that the water crisis is already causing hardship in many communities. “In some areas, such as Kwanyako, people have no access to safe drinking water, and many families cannot even afford to buy water,” he noted.
Dr Harrison, a scientist, warned that prolonged exposure to polluted water would inevitably trigger severe long-term health conditions, including cancers and neurological disorders.
“People are consuming these polluted waters and will inevitably develop cancers and neuro-diseases. How is that not enough of an emergency?” he pressed.
He urged both government and the public not to wait until visible health crises emerge before acting decisively.
“Do we really want to sit idly by until 5 or 10 per cent of the population begin to show obvious neurological symptoms before moving? Certainly not,” he stressed.
Source: myjoyonline.com
