GMA Calls for a Renewed Push Against Galamsey
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has sounded a clarion call for stronger, sustained action against the country’s galamsey crisis. In a communique issued at the conclusion of its 67th Annual General Conference, the medical body underscored that illegal mining is not only an environmental catastrophe but also a growing public health threat. As communities grapple with water contamination, land degradation, and associated disease risks, the GMA argues that health institutions must play an active role in shaping policy and enforcement strategies.
Why the GMA is Elevating the Health Narrative
Galamsey activities have long been linked to heavy metal pollution, including mercury and arsenic exposure, which pose serious risks to miners and nearby residents. The GMA contends that the health sector has a duty to foreground these risks in national discourse. Beyond acute injuries, chronic exposure can lead to neurological, renal, and developmental concerns, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. The association emphasizes that a healthy population depends on clean water sources, safe livelihoods, and robust environmental safeguards—all of which are compromised by unregulated mining.
Key Demands from the Medical Community
The communiqué outlines several actionable steps for government action. First, it calls for an overhaul of enforcement mechanisms to close loopholes that allow illicit mining to flourish. Second, the GMA urges a comprehensive cleanup and rehabilitation program for affected sites, with transparent funding and measurable milestones. Third, it advocates for targeted health surveillance in mining communities to monitor exposure levels and provide protective healthcare services to residents and workers.
Additionally, the GMA recommends integrating health considerations into national policies on mining and land use. This includes stricter environmental impact assessments, better regulation of mercury usage, and investment in sustainable livelihoods that reduce the economic appeal of illegal mining. The association also stresses the importance of inter-agency collaboration among health, environment, and security institutions to ensure a unified and responsive approach.
Balancing Enforcement with Community Livelihoods
Critics of hardline enforcement often raise concerns about the potential impact on livelihoods. The GMA acknowledges these concerns and pushes for a balanced strategy that protects health and the environment while providing safer, legitimate employment opportunities. The plan includes retraining programs for former galamsey workers, access to microfinance, and the promotion of alternative income streams such as sustainable agriculture and organized mining cooperatives. By addressing the root causes—poverty, demand for quick income, and weak governance—the country can reduce the incentives for illegal mining over time.
The Health Sector’s Role in a Comprehensive Solution
Health professionals are urged to participate in policy dialogue and field-based monitoring. Hospitals and clinics should be equipped to diagnose and treat poisoning, respiratory illnesses, and injury related to mining activities. Public health campaigns can educate communities on the risks of mercury exposure, safe water practices, and protective measures for workers. Strengthening supply chains for essential medicines and protective equipment will also be critical as enforcement improves and mining activities are reined in.
A Call for Urgency and Accountability
The GMA’s message is clear: the galamsey threat demands urgent, sustained, and accountable action from the government. With the health and environmental costs mounting, piecemeal interventions are insufficient. The medical association’s call to action aligns with broader public demand for responsible governance, transparent reporting, and a clear timeline for progress. As the 67th AGM concluded, the GMA reiterated its willingness to collaborate with policymakers, communities, and international partners to pursue a healthier, safer Ghana.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, stakeholders must translate rhetoric into results. Implementing a holistic strategy that marries enforcement with community development will be crucial. If the government can align health priorities with environmental stewardship and economic resilience, Ghana can curb galamsey’s negative impact and set a sustainable course for the future.
